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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named their most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends a three-game slide and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to Twickenham, where their top XV will aim to replicate previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced much on the line after a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-Test tour. The canny yet risky move mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era landing multiple monster hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch attacks yet failing to break through over 32 phases. Following probing the middle without success, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing through before setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions due to questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan struck back after the fullback dropped a kick, allowing a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the match hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory over Australia.

In the dying stages, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial scrum and a penalty. They stood firm under pressure, sealing a hard-fought win that prepares the squad well for their European tour.