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In a bold move, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japanese squad 19-15 in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's perfect record versus Japan intact. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's top lineup will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia had a lot to lose after a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to give less experienced players their chance, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-Test tour. This canny yet risky move mirrored a previous Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, with front-rower a key forward landing several big hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation forced the already revamped side to adapt their pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range punches yet failing to score for 32 rucks. After testing central channels ineffectively, they eventually went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

Another potential try from a flanker was denied twice due to dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the match close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team started with more energy in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, Australia showed character, securing a crucial set-piece and a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty win that sets them up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.