In a bold move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad 19-15 in wet and windy the Japanese capital.
This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps Australia's perfect track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which their top lineup will strive to repeat previous dramatic win over England.
Up against world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced much to lose following a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced players an opportunity, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-Test tour. The shrewd though daring approach mirrored a previous Australian attempt in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.
Japan started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era landing several big hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring near the line 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 the already revamped side to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.
The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' line, hammering the defense with one-inch attacks but failing to score over thirty-two rucks. After testing central channels without success, they finally spread the ball at the set-piece, and a center breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.
Another potential score by Carlo Tizzano was denied twice due to questionable rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for Australia. Slippery conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the match tight.
Japan came out with renewed energy in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after through Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.
But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.
During the dying stages, Australia dug deep, winning a key set-piece then a infringement. They held on under pressure, sealing a hard-fought win which prepares the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.
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