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With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and named the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record against Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top lineup will aim to replicate last year's thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose after a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give younger players their chance, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-Test road trip. This canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan started strongly, with hooker a key forward landing several monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced the already revamped side to adapt their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches yet unable to score over thirty-two rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center breaking through and setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent try from Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense kept the match close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with more energy after halftime, scoring through a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia hit back quickly with the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back after the fullback fumbled a kick, allowing a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as Japan pressing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, Australia showed character, winning a crucial scrum and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, sealing a gritty win which prepares them up for the upcoming European tour.