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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice XV will strive to repeat last year's dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies faced much to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to give less experienced stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. The canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started with intensity, with front-rower a key forward delivering several monster hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, with locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced an already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense via one-inch punches yet failing to break through for 32 rucks. After testing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential score from a flanker was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's courageous defense kept the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team came out with more energy in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly through Tizzano scoring close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the match was in the balance, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory over Australia.

During the final minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a key set-piece then a penalty. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.