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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win ends a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to replicate previous thrilling win over England.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia had much on the line after a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand less experienced stars an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-week road trip. This canny yet risky approach echoed an earlier Australian attempt in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster hits to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with their new captain crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already revamped side to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense via short-range attacks yet unable to score over 32 phases. Following testing the middle without success, the team finally 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 Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score by a flanker was denied on two occasions because of questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan came out with more energy after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after through Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when the fullback dropped a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the match hung in the balance, as Japan pressing for their first-ever victory over Australia.

During the final stages, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial scrum then a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win which sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.