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With a daring strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts three-match losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies had a lot to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-week tour. This canny yet risky approach echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan began strongly, including front-rower Hayate Era landing several big hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, as their new captain crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, with locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. This forced an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt their pack and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range punches yet unable to break through over 32 phases. Following testing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing the line and assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions due to questionable calls, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling kept the match close.

Late Action and Tense Finish

The home team started with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic win over Australia.

In the dying stages, Australia dug deep, winning a key scrum then a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win that prepares the squad well for the upcoming European tour.