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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's top lineup will strive to repeat previous dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand younger stars their chance, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-week road trip. This canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

The home side began strongly, including hooker a key forward delivering several monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. This required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range attacks yet failing to score for thirty-two rucks. Following probing the middle without success, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line and assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another potential try by a flanker was denied twice because of questionable calls, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with more energy after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after through the flanker powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the game hung in the balance, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a gritty victory which sets the squad well for the upcoming European tour.