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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory halts a three-game losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot on the line after a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side started strongly, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries hit early, with two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch punches yet unable to score for thirty-two phases. Following testing the middle without success, they eventually went wide from a scrum, and a center breaking through and assisting a teammate for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further potential score by Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to dubious calls, summing up a frustrating first half for Australia. Wet conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the contest close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan came out with more vigor after halftime, scoring through a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when the fullback dropped a grubber, letting a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a crucial scrum and a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, sealing a hard-fought win which prepares them up for their European fixtures.