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With a daring move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's top XV will strive to repeat last year's dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies faced much on the line following a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-Test tour. This canny though daring move mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side started strongly, with hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple monster hits to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early lead.

Injuries struck early, with locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced an already revamped side to adjust their pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range attacks but failing to score over 32 rucks. After testing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing through before setting up a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

Another apparent score by a flanker was denied on two occasions due to questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the match close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back when the fullback fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the match hung in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.

During the final stages, Australia showed character, securing a crucial scrum and a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win which prepares the squad up for the upcoming European fixtures.