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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts a three-game losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to replicate last year's dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot to lose following a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-Test road trip. This shrewd yet risky approach echoed a previous Australian experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side began strongly, with front-rower a key forward delivering several big tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range attacks but failing to break through for 32 phases. Following probing the middle without success, they finally spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami breaking through and setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

Another apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions due to questionable calls, summing up a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan struck back after the fullback dropped a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win over the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key set-piece then a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a hard-fought win that sets them up for the upcoming European tour.