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With a daring strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's unblemished record versus Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's dramatic win over England.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much to lose following a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-week road trip. The shrewd though daring move mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era landing several big tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with their new captain scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near the Japanese line, hammering the defense via one-inch attacks yet failing to score for 32 phases. After testing the middle ineffectively, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking through and assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further potential score from Carlo Tizzano was denied twice because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team started with more vigor after halftime, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, Australia showed character, winning a key scrum and a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that prepares the squad well for the upcoming European fixtures.