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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose after a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to give younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-week road trip. The shrewd though daring approach mirrored an earlier Australian attempt in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side began strongly, including hooker Hayate Era delivering several big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, as two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense via one-inch attacks but failing to score for 32 phases. After probing central channels ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball from a scrum, and a center breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential try by Carlo Tizzano was denied twice due to dubious calls, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with more energy in the second period, registering via a forward to narrow the gap to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after with Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish a comfortable lead.

But, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the game was in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for their first-ever win over Australia.

In the dying minutes, Australia showed character, winning a key scrum and a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win which sets them up for the upcoming European fixtures.