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With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and named their most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends three-match losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had a lot on the line following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-Test tour. This shrewd yet risky move mirrored an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, with hooker Hayate Era delivering several big hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries struck in the opening period, with locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required an already reshuffled side to adapt the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Score

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense with one-inch attacks yet failing to break through over 32 rucks. After testing central channels without success, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking through and assisting a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to questionable calls, summing up a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

Japan came out with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, Japan struck back after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the match hung in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key scrum then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that sets the squad well for their European tour.