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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends a three-game slide and maintains Australia's perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which the squad's top XV will aim to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced a lot to lose after a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players their chance, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-Test road trip. The canny yet risky approach echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

The home side started with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era landing multiple monster tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, as two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced the already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near their opponents' line, hammering the defense via short-range punches yet failing to break through over thirty-two rucks. After testing central channels without success, they finally went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line before setting up a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score by a flanker was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious calls, summing up an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous defense kept the match tight.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

Japan started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering through a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately when the fullback dropped a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

During the final stages, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum and a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that prepares them well for the upcoming European fixtures.