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With a daring move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to repeat previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced a lot to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue over a grueling five-week road trip. The canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including hooker a key forward delivering multiple monster tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as their new captain crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Injuries struck early, as two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped Wallabies to adapt their pack and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense via short-range attacks but unable to break through for thirty-two rucks. After testing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, and a center breaking through before assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed energy after halftime, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia responded soon after with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. At four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, Australia showed character, winning a key scrum and a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that sets the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.