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With a daring move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close win ends three-match losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished record versus Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their first-choice lineup will strive to replicate previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia had much to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced players their chance, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-Test tour. This canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started strongly, with front-rower a key forward delivering multiple big hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced an already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense with one-inch attacks yet failing to break through over 32 rucks. Following testing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent try from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice due to dubious calls, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with more energy in the second period, scoring via a forward to close the deficit to six points. Australia hit back soon after through Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan struck back after the fullback dropped a kick, letting a winger to score. At 19-15, the game hung in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for a historic victory against Australia.

In the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a crucial set-piece and a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that prepares them well for the upcoming European tour.