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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished track record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their top XV will aim to replicate last year's thrilling triumph over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced a lot to lose following a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give less experienced stars their chance, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-week tour. This shrewd though daring approach echoed an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started strongly, including hooker a key forward delivering multiple monster hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with their new captain crossing from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, as two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch attacks yet failing to break through for 32 rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, they eventually went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking through before setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the match tight.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with more energy in the second period, scoring via a forward to close the deficit to six points. Australia responded soon after through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable lead.

But, Japan struck back after the fullback dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At 19-15, the game was in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, Australia dug deep, winning a key scrum then a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a gritty victory that sets them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.