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In a bold move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close win ends three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's top XV will strive to replicate last year's thrilling win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced much to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-Test road trip. The shrewd yet risky move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced an already reshuffled side to adjust their pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch punches but failing to break through for thirty-two phases. Following testing central channels ineffectively, they eventually went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line and setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent score from a flanker was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious calls, summing up a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the match tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the game hung in the balance, as Japan pressing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a key scrum and a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty victory that prepares the squad well for their European tour.