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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts three-match slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record against Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat previous dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced a lot on the line after a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist opted to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-week road trip. The shrewd yet risky move mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era landing several monster hits to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese line, hammering the defense with short-range punches but unable to break through for 32 rucks. After probing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line and setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent score from a flanker got disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous defense kept the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with more energy after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after through the flanker scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting a winger to score. At four points apart, the match was in the balance, as Japan pressing for their first-ever win against Australia.

During the dying stages, Australia dug deep, winning a key scrum and a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought win which sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.