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In a bold move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends three-match slide and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top XV will aim to repeat previous dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-Test road trip. The canny yet risky move mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era landing several big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' line, pounding the defense with short-range punches but failing to score for 32 rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team finally went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line and assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score from a flanker was disallowed twice because of dubious calls, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense ensured the contest tight.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed energy after halftime, scoring via a forward to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately after the fullback dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the match hung in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win over Australia.

During the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a crucial scrum and a penalty. The team stood firm under pressure, sealing a gritty victory that prepares them well for their European tour.