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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's unblemished track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had a lot to lose after a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-week road trip. This canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side started strongly, with front-rower a key forward delivering multiple big hits to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already reshuffled side to adapt their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range attacks but failing to break through for thirty-two rucks. Following probing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking through before assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential try from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, highlighting an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense kept the match tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring through a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after with the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan struck back when the fullback fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game was in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a crucial set-piece then a penalty. The team held on under pressure, sealing a hard-fought victory that sets the squad well for the upcoming European tour.