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With a daring move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their top lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had much to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to give younger stars an opportunity, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-week road trip. This canny yet risky move mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side began with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era landing several monster tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This required an already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches yet unable to break through over 32 rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing through and assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential try by a flanker got denied on two occasions because of dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the contest tight.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

Japan started with more vigor in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after with the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to score. At four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a key set-piece then a penalty. The team stood firm under pressure, sealing a hard-fought win which prepares the squad well for their European fixtures.