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With a daring strategy, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, with Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, where their top XV will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, concerned about fatigue over a grueling five-Test tour. This canny though daring move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan began with intensity, including hooker a key forward delivering multiple monster tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, as locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation forced an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range attacks yet failing to break through over thirty-two phases. Following testing central channels without success, they finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking through before setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further potential try by a flanker got disallowed on two occasions because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the contest close.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed energy after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the game hung in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece and a penalty. The team held on under pressure, clinching a gritty victory that sets them well for their European fixtures.