🔗 Share this article Australia Show Grit to Claim Gritty Win Over the Brave Blossoms In a bold move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital. Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record This narrow win halts three-match losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished track record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top XV will aim to replicate last year's thrilling triumph over England. The Coach's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia had much on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players their chance, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-Test tour. The shrewd yet risky move echoed an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side. Early Struggles and Fitness Blows Japan started strongly, with hooker a key forward landing several big tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with their new captain crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage. Injuries hit in the opening period, as two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This forced an already reshuffled side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics on the fly. Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score Australia applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall via one-inch punches yet unable to score for 32 rucks. After testing central channels without success, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line and setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3. Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback Another apparent try from a flanker was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, summing up an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the match tight. Late Drama and Tense Finish Japan started with more vigor in the second period, registering via a forward to narrow the gap to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead. But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the match was in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory over the Wallabies. In the dying minutes, Australia showed character, winning a crucial set-piece then a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty win that sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.