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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends three-match 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, where their first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia had much to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to give less experienced stars their chance, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky approach mirrored a previous Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side began with intensity, including front-rower a key forward landing several big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit early, as two second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped side to adapt the team's forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense via short-range attacks but unable to score over 32 phases. Following testing central channels without success, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center slicing the line before setting up a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score by a flanker was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious calls, summing up an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the match close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with more energy in the second period, registering via a forward to close the gap to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after with the flanker powering over from a maul to restore an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing a winger to score. At 19-15, the match hung in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for a historic victory over Australia.

In the dying stages, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum and a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory that sets the squad well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.