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With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line after a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-week tour. This canny though daring approach echoed an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

The home side started strongly, including hooker a key forward landing multiple big tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early lead.

Injuries struck early, with locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required the already revamped side to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall via one-inch punches yet failing to break through for 32 phases. Following probing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing the line and assisting a teammate for a try that made it 14-3.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent try from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed on two occasions due to dubious calls, summing up an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the match tight.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with more vigor in the second period, scoring through a forward to close the gap to six points. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when the fullback fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for a historic win against Australia.

In the dying stages, Australia showed character, securing a key set-piece and a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win which prepares them well for the upcoming European tour.