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With a daring strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice XV will strive to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line following a difficult home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand younger stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. This shrewd though daring move mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan began with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several big tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This forced an already revamped side to adjust their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches but failing to score over 32 rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, they finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking through before assisting a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another apparent score from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions due to questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the contest tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with more energy in the second period, scoring via a forward to narrow the gap to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker powering over from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for a historic victory against Australia.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key scrum then a infringement. The team stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty win which prepares them up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.