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In a bold move, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named their most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory ends three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, where the squad's top XV will aim to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced a lot to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-Test road trip. The canny yet risky move mirrored a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started strongly, with hooker Hayate Era landing several big tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, with locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required an already reshuffled side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense with short-range attacks but unable to break through for thirty-two phases. Following testing central channels without success, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and a center breaking the line and setting up a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent score from a flanker got denied twice due to questionable rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling kept the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with more vigor in the second period, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after through the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, allowing a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a key scrum and a penalty. The team stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty victory that prepares them well for their European fixtures.