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In a bold move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and named the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close win ends three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished track record versus Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, Australia had a lot on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-week road trip. This canny though daring approach echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side started strongly, with hooker a key forward landing multiple big hits to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, as locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required the already revamped side to adjust their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range attacks yet unable to score for 32 rucks. Following testing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide at the set-piece, and a center slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via a forward to close the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable lead.

However, Japan responded immediately when the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the game was in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for a historic victory against Australia.

During the final minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key set-piece then a penalty. The team held on under pressure, clinching a gritty win that prepares them well for their European tour.