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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record against Japan intact. It also sets them up for next week's return to Twickenham, in which their first-choice XV will aim to repeat last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, Australia faced a lot on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd though daring move mirrored a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side started with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era landing multiple monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, with locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense via short-range attacks but unable to break through for 32 rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking through and setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the match tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

The home team started with more energy in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia hit back quickly with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for their first-ever win against Australia.

During the final minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece and a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that sets the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.