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With a daring move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record versus Japan intact. It also sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top XV will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia had a lot to lose after a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players their chance, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-week road trip. The canny yet risky move echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side began with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early lead.

Injuries struck in the opening period, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped side to adapt the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

Australia pressed for long spells on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense via short-range attacks yet failing to break through over thirty-two rucks. Following testing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, and a center slicing through before assisting a teammate for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential try from a flanker was denied twice because of dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the match close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with more energy in the second period, registering through a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia responded soon after through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the game hung in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win against Australia.

During the final stages, Australia showed character, winning a crucial scrum and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a gritty win which sets them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.