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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named their most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to Twickenham, where their first-choice XV will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had much on the line following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue over a grueling five-week road trip. The canny though daring approach echoed an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan began with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era delivering several big hits to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This forced an already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch attacks but unable to score over thirty-two rucks. Following probing central channels without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line and assisting a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions due to dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the contest tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with more energy in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after through Tizzano scoring close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan struck back after the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the game was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for their first-ever victory over Australia.

During the final stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial scrum and a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that sets them well for their European fixtures.