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With a daring strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's perfect record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's first-choice XV will strive to replicate previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist chose to hand younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-Test road trip. The canny yet risky approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side began with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era landing several monster hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, as locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced an already reshuffled side to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range attacks but failing to score over 32 phases. Following probing the middle without success, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami breaking through before assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential score from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice due to questionable calls, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly with the flanker powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

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

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial scrum and a penalty. They held on under pressure, clinching a gritty win which sets the squad up for their European fixtures.