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With a daring strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and named their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished record against Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, in which their top lineup will strive to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players their chance, fearing tiredness during a demanding five-week road trip. The shrewd yet risky approach mirrored an earlier Australian attempt in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several big hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Injuries struck early, as locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced the already revamped Wallabies to adapt their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch punches yet unable to score for 32 phases. Following probing the middle without success, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking through and assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed on two occasions because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Action and Tense Finish

Japan came out with more energy in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to six points. The Wallabies hit back quickly through Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, Australia showed character, winning a key set-piece then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory which sets them up for their European tour.