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In a bold move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top XV will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much to lose after a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-Test tour. The canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side began with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation forced an already revamped side to adapt the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense with short-range attacks but unable to score over thirty-two rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking through before setting up a teammate for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential score by a flanker was disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous defense kept the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with more vigor after halftime, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the match hung in the balance, with Japan pressing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. The team stood firm under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares them up for their European tour.