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In a bold strategy, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named their most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's unblemished record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which their top XV will aim to replicate last year's thrilling win over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia had a lot to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-week road trip. The shrewd yet risky move echoed a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several big hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already reshuffled side to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense via one-inch punches yet failing to break through for 32 phases. After testing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing the line before assisting a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent try from a flanker got denied twice due to dubious calls, highlighting a frustrating first half for Australia. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the contest tight.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for a historic victory against Australia.

In the dying stages, Australia showed character, winning a crucial set-piece then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty win that prepares them well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.