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In a bold strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory halts a three-game losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished track record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's top XV will aim to repeat previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia had much on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-week road trip. The shrewd yet risky approach echoed a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan began strongly, including hooker a key forward landing multiple big tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries struck in the opening period, with two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required the already revamped side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia pressed for long spells near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall via one-inch punches yet unable to score over thirty-two phases. After probing the middle without success, they eventually went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing the line before assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the contest close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with more vigor after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the match was in the balance, with Japan pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

During the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece and a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win which sets them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.