Coach Joe Schmidt is set to call in reinforcements for the Wallabies' second-row after injuries and errors almost derailed their opening tour Test against Japan.

The Australians have flown on to London after narrowly avoiding an historic first loss to the Eddie Jones-coached Brave Blossoms, with a 19-15 scoreline in Saturday's Test in Tokyo.

While Schmidt gambled with an understrength team, their cause wasn't helped by the loss of locks Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (ribs) and his replacement Josh Canham (concussion) within the opening 20 minutes.

Schmidt said his team, who led 14-3 at halftime, were unable to shake the gritty hosts.

"With 13 changes and losing two locks early on, it did become difficult for us," Schmidt said from Tokyo.

"There was nothing surprising about how competitive they

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