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In a bold move, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game slide and maintains Australia's perfect track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their top lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had a lot to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced players an opportunity, fearing tiredness during a demanding five-week tour. This canny though daring approach mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era landing several big hits to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring near the line for an early lead.

Injuries struck early, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation required an already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range punches but failing to break through over thirty-two rucks. Following probing central channels without success, they finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center breaking through before setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent try by a flanker got disallowed on two occasions due to dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed vigor after halftime, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly with the flanker scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the game was in the balance, with Japan pushing for their first-ever win over the Wallabies.

In the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key scrum then a penalty. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty victory which sets the squad well for the upcoming European tour.