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In a bold move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts a three-game slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished record versus Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming return to Twickenham, where their top XV will aim to repeat previous thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much to lose following a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced stars their chance, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-Test tour. This shrewd though daring approach mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan started with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era delivering several big hits to rattle Australia. But, the Australian team steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required an already reshuffled side to adjust their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near the Japanese line, hammering the defense with one-inch punches yet failing to break through over thirty-two rucks. Following testing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, and a center slicing the line and setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet weather, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with more energy in the second period, registering via a forward to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly through the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the match hung in the balance, as Japan pushing for a historic win against Australia.

In the final minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win which sets the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.