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With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished track record against Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which their first-choice lineup will strive to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia had much to lose following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to give younger stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-Test road trip. The canny though daring move mirrored an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side started strongly, with hooker a key forward landing several monster hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with their new captain scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, with two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced the already revamped side to adjust their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Score

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' line, pounding the defense via one-inch attacks but failing to break through over thirty-two phases. After testing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and a center slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got denied twice because of questionable rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the match tight.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy after halftime, scoring through a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when the fullback dropped a kick, letting a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory against Australia.

During the dying minutes, Australia showed character, winning a key scrum then a infringement. They held on under pressure, sealing a gritty win which prepares the squad up for their European fixtures.