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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends a three-game slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to Twickenham, where the squad's top lineup will strive to replicate previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist chose to hand younger stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-week tour. This canny though daring move mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

Japan began strongly, with hooker a key forward delivering multiple big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, with their new captain crossing near the line for an early lead.

Injuries struck in the opening period, with locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced an already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' line, pounding the defense with short-range attacks but unable to break through over thirty-two rucks. After testing central channels ineffectively, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing the line before assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano was denied twice because of dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, registering through a forward to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly with Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway fumbled 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 a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial scrum then a infringement. The team stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty win which sets them well for the upcoming European fixtures.