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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts three-match slide and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for next week's return to Twickenham, where the squad's top XV will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced much on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players their chance, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-Test tour. This canny though daring move mirrored a previous Australian attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan started strongly, including hooker a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain crossing from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required an already reshuffled side to adapt their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range punches but unable to break through for thirty-two phases. Following testing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and a center breaking through before setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice due to questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with renewed energy in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic win over the Wallabies.

During the final stages, Australia showed character, securing a key scrum then a infringement. The team held on under pressure, sealing a gritty victory which prepares them up for the upcoming European tour.