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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese team 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts a three-game slide and keeps Australia's unblemished record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top lineup will strive to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia had much on the line following a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-Test tour. This shrewd yet risky approach echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, with front-rower a key forward delivering several monster hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries hit early, as locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense with one-inch punches but unable to score over 32 rucks. After testing central channels without success, they finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking through before assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions due to dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

Japan came out with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring via a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for their first-ever victory over Australia.

In the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a crucial scrum and a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory which sets them well for their European fixtures.