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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory halts a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice XV will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, Australia had much to lose after a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to give younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-Test tour. This shrewd yet risky move mirrored a previous Australian attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started strongly, including hooker Hayate Era landing several big tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced an already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Score

Australia pressed repeatedly near the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks yet failing to break through over thirty-two phases. Following testing central channels ineffectively, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center breaking the line and setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got denied twice because of dubious calls, summing up an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team started with more vigor after halftime, scoring through a forward to close the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly through Tizzano scoring close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the match was in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory against Australia.

In the final minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory which prepares them up for their European tour.