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In a bold move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's top XV will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia had a lot to lose after a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-week road trip. The canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan started with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era landing multiple monster hits to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as locks second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed for long spells on their opponents' line, hammering the defense with short-range punches but failing to break through for thirty-two phases. After testing the middle ineffectively, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line before assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential score from a flanker got disallowed on two occasions due to questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense kept the match close.

Late Action and Tense Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, registering through a forward to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after through Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for their first-ever win over Australia.

In the dying stages, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial scrum and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that sets the squad up for the upcoming European tour.