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In a bold move, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice XV will aim to repeat previous thrilling win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had a lot to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give younger stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-week road trip. The canny yet risky move echoed an earlier Australian attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, with hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple monster tackles to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt their pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly near the Japanese line, hammering the defense with one-inch punches yet failing to score over thirty-two rucks. Following probing the middle without success, they finally went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing through and assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the match tight.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with renewed energy after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly through Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the game was in the balance, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win over Australia.

During the final minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a crucial set-piece then a infringement. They stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory which prepares them up for their European fixtures.