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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice XV will aim to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia had a lot on the line following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger players their chance, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-week road trip. The canny yet risky approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan began strongly, with hooker a key forward delivering several monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, as locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced an already reshuffled side to adapt the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese line, hammering the defense with one-inch punches yet unable to break through over thirty-two rucks. Following testing the middle without success, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions due to questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense kept the contest tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly with the flanker powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score four points apart, the game hung in the balance, with Japan pushing for their first-ever win over the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece and a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, sealing a gritty victory that sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.