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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named their most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced much on the line after a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand younger stars their chance, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-week road trip. This shrewd yet risky approach echoed an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side started strongly, including hooker Hayate Era landing several big hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit early, with two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation forced an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range punches yet failing to break through for thirty-two phases. After probing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another potential try by Carlo Tizzano got denied twice because of dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Wet conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

The home team started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering through a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia responded soon after with Tizzano scoring from a maul to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score four points apart, the match was in the balance, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win against Australia.

In the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum then a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory which prepares the squad up for their European fixtures.