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With a daring strategy, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's unblemished track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice XV will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand younger stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-Test road trip. The canny yet risky approach echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side began with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era landing several monster hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain scoring near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit early, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation forced the already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks but failing to break through over 32 phases. After probing central channels without success, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, and a center breaking through before assisting a teammate for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another apparent try from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions because of dubious calls, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with renewed energy after halftime, scoring through a forward to close the gap to six points. The Wallabies hit back quickly with the flanker scoring from a maul to restore a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the game was in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

In the final stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a crucial set-piece and a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a hard-fought win that sets the squad well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.