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In a bold move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to repeat previous dramatic win over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose following a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players their chance, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-Test road trip. This shrewd yet risky move echoed a previous Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era landing multiple big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early lead.

Injuries hit early, as locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped side to adapt their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range attacks yet failing to break through for 32 phases. Following probing central channels without success, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and a center slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent try from a flanker got denied twice because of questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the match tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with more energy in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the game hung in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

During the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key scrum then a infringement. The team stood firm under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.