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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice XV will aim to repeat last year's thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose following a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-week road trip. The canny though daring move mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started with intensity, including hooker a key forward landing several monster tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled side to adapt the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks but unable to break through for thirty-two rucks. Following probing central channels ineffectively, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano was denied twice due to questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the match close.

Late Action and Tense Finish

Japan came out with renewed energy after halftime, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the game hung in the balance, as Japan pushing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial scrum then a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a gritty victory that prepares the squad well for the upcoming European tour.