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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends three-match slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against Japan intact. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which their first-choice XV will strive to repeat last year's thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, Australia had much on the line following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger stars their chance, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky approach mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Blows

The home side began strongly, with front-rower a key forward landing several big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and improved, as their new captain crossing from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries struck early, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped side to adapt the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range attacks yet failing to score over 32 phases. After probing the middle ineffectively, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing through and assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential try by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions due to questionable calls, summing up an aggravating first half for Australia. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, scoring via a forward to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly with the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back after the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the game was in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for their first-ever win over the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key set-piece and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought win which sets the squad well for the upcoming European fixtures.