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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, with the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, where the squad's top lineup will aim to repeat last year's thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give younger players their chance, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-week road trip. The canny though daring move echoed a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era landing several monster tackles to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Injuries struck early, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch punches but failing to score for 32 phases. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score by a flanker got disallowed on two occasions because of questionable rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the match tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team started with more energy after halftime, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, Japan responded immediately after the fullback dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

In the final minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key set-piece and a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win that sets the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere tour.