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With a daring strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese team 19-15 in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record against Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, in which their top lineup will aim to repeat last year's thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had much to lose following a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-week tour. The shrewd though daring approach echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era landing several big tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required the already revamped side to adapt the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches but failing to score for thirty-two rucks. Following testing central channels without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, and a center breaking through before setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period for Australia. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

The home team started with renewed energy in the second period, scoring through a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly with the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key scrum and a penalty. They held on under pressure, sealing a gritty win which prepares the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.