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With a daring move, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had a lot on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players their chance, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-Test tour. The canny yet risky approach mirrored an earlier Australian attempt in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side began strongly, including hooker a key forward landing several monster tackles to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries struck in the opening period, with two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near the Japanese line, pounding the defense with short-range punches yet failing to break through for 32 phases. Following probing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, and a center slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further potential try by a flanker got disallowed on two occasions due to dubious calls, highlighting a frustrating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with more energy in the second period, scoring through a forward to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after with Tizzano powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable lead.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty victory that prepares the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.