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With a daring strategy, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's unblemished record against Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's top XV will strive to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced much on the line after a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand younger stars their chance, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky move mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with their new captain crossing from close range for an early lead.

Injuries struck early, with two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' line, pounding the defense via one-inch attacks but failing to break through for 32 rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, and a center slicing the line and assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Resilience

Another potential try from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via a forward to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker powering over from a maul to restore an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the match hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for a historic victory against Australia.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a key set-piece then a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that prepares the squad well for their European fixtures.