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With a daring strategy, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close victory ends a three-game slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had much on the line after a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-week tour. This shrewd yet risky approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side began strongly, including front-rower a key forward landing several big hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, with locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped side to adjust their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range punches but failing to score for 32 rucks. After testing the middle ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, and a center slicing the line before setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice due to dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling kept the contest close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with more vigor in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano powering over close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting a winger to cross. At four points apart, the game was in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

During the final stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key scrum then a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares them well for their European tour.