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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 ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record against Japan intact. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top XV will aim to repeat previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had a lot to lose following a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand younger stars their chance, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-week road trip. This shrewd though daring move echoed a previous Australian attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering multiple monster hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for an early lead.

Injuries struck early, as two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped side to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall via one-inch punches yet failing to break through for thirty-two phases. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking through and setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

Another apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions because of questionable rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

The home team started with renewed energy after halftime, registering through a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when the fullback dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the match hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic win against Australia.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key set-piece and a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a gritty win which sets them up for the upcoming European tour.