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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese team 19-15 in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished track record against Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where their top XV will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced a lot to lose following a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players their chance, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-Test tour. The shrewd though daring move echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with their new captain crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Injuries hit early, with locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced the already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks but unable to score over 32 phases. After probing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent score by a flanker got denied twice due to dubious calls, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with more energy in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after with the flanker scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable lead.

But, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to score. At four points apart, the match was in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a key set-piece then a infringement. They stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty win which prepares the squad well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.