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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends three-match slide and keeps Australia's perfect track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic win over England.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced a lot to lose after a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give younger stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-Test tour. This shrewd yet risky approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started with intensity, with hooker a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit early, as two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This required an already revamped side to adapt their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed repeatedly on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense via one-inch attacks but failing to score over 32 phases. Following testing the middle without success, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking through and setting up a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions due to questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the match close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded soon after through Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for their first-ever win over the Wallabies.

During the final stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key scrum then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win which prepares the squad well for the upcoming European tour.