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With a daring strategy, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close victory ends three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia had much to lose after a difficult home season. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand younger players an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. This shrewd though daring move mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began strongly, including hooker a key forward delivering several big hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, as locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense via one-inch punches but unable to break through over 32 phases. After testing the middle ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball from a scrum, with a center slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions because of dubious rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the match close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

The home team came out with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when the fullback dropped a kick, allowing a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win against Australia.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key set-piece and a infringement. The team stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty victory which sets the squad up for the upcoming European fixtures.