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In a bold move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished record versus Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their first-choice XV will strive to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced much on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players their chance, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-week tour. This canny yet risky move echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era landing several big tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, with locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This required the already revamped Wallabies to adjust their pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia pressed for long spells near the Japanese line, pounding the defense via one-inch attacks but unable to score for 32 rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing the line and setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent try from a flanker got denied twice because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous defense kept the match close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with more energy after halftime, scoring via a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly through Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when the fullback dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the match hung in the balance, as Japan pressing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

During the dying minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key scrum and a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win that prepares the squad well for the upcoming European tour.