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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japanese squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record against Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, Australia had much on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-Test road trip. This shrewd though daring approach echoed an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan started with intensity, with front-rower a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed for long spells on their opponents' line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch attacks but failing to break through over 32 rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team finally went wide from a scrum, and a center breaking through before assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential try by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of dubious calls, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan came out with renewed vigor in the second period, scoring via a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia responded quickly with the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back when the fullback dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, Australia showed character, winning a crucial scrum then a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory which prepares them well for the upcoming European fixtures.