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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which their top XV will strive to replicate last year's thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia had much to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-week road trip. This shrewd though daring approach echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including hooker a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit early, with locks second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense via short-range attacks yet unable to break through for 32 phases. Following testing central channels ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, and a center slicing through before assisting a teammate for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense kept the match close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to six points. Australia responded quickly with the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the match was in the balance, with Japan pushing for a historic win over the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key scrum and a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty victory which sets them well for their European fixtures.