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With a daring strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and named their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished record against Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's thrilling triumph over England.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia had much to lose after a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand younger players an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-Test road trip. This canny though daring move echoed a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, with front-rower a key forward delivering multiple monster tackles to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, with two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range attacks but unable to break through over 32 rucks. After probing central channels ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, with a center breaking the line before setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice due to dubious calls, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly with Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for a historic win against Australia.

During the final stages, Australia dug deep, winning a key set-piece then a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win which sets the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere tour.