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With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and named their least seasoned captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished record against Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's thrilling win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced a lot to lose after a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness during a demanding five-Test tour. This canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, including front-rower a key forward landing several monster tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced an already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range punches but unable to break through for 32 phases. Following probing the middle without success, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center breaking the line and assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score by a flanker was denied twice because of questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with more energy after halftime, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the game was in the balance, with Japan pushing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

During the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a crucial set-piece and a infringement. The team stood firm under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory which prepares the squad well for the upcoming European fixtures.