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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, where their top lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, Australia had much on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players their chance, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-Test road trip. This shrewd yet risky move mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan began strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several big tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, with locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range attacks yet unable to score over thirty-two rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball from a scrum, with a center slicing the line before setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the match close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed energy after halftime, registering through a forward to narrow the gap to six points. Australia responded quickly 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 kick, allowing a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the match hung in the balance, as Japan pushing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

During the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key set-piece and a infringement. They stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty victory which prepares them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.