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With a daring move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts a three-game slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to replicate last year's thrilling win over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose following a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. The canny though daring move mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side started strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several big hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, with two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

Australia pressed for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches but failing to score for 32 rucks. After testing the middle without success, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, with a center breaking the line and assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent try by Carlo Tizzano was denied twice because of dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense kept the match tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team came out with more vigor after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, allowing a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the match hung in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

In the final minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win which sets them up for their European fixtures.