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With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps Australia's unblemished record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice XV will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had much to lose after a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to give less experienced stars their chance, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-week road trip. This canny yet risky move mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including hooker a key forward delivering multiple big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries struck early, with locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense with one-inch attacks yet failing to score over thirty-two phases. Following probing the middle without success, they eventually went wide at the set-piece, and a center slicing through and assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential try from a flanker got disallowed on two occasions because of questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Wet weather, limited strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the contest tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

The home team started with more vigor after halftime, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the game was on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key set-piece then a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win which prepares the squad up for their European fixtures.