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With a daring strategy, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory ends three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top lineup will strive to replicate previous thrilling win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger stars their chance, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. This canny yet risky move echoed a previous Australian attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan began with intensity, including hooker a key forward delivering multiple monster hits to rattle Australia. But, the Australian team steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped side to adjust their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch attacks but failing to break through over 32 rucks. After testing central channels without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with a center breaking through and setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating first half for Australia. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the contest tight.

Late Action and Tense Finish

Japan started with more energy in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the match was in the balance, with Japan pressing for a historic victory over Australia.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key scrum then a penalty. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty victory which sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.