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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends a three-game slide and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced a lot on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-Test tour. This shrewd though daring approach echoed a previous Australian attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side started with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era landing multiple monster hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with their new captain crossing near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' line, pounding the defense via short-range punches but unable to break through over thirty-two phases. After testing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing through before setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice because of dubious calls, summing up an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Wet weather, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense ensured the contest tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team started with more vigor after halftime, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back after the fullback dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the match hung in the balance, as Japan pushing for a historic win against Australia.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial set-piece then a penalty. They stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that sets them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.