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In a bold move, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts three-match losing streak and keeps Australia's perfect track record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 team, Australia faced much to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give younger stars an opportunity, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-Test tour. The shrewd though daring move mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

The home side began strongly, with hooker a key forward landing several monster tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation forced the already reshuffled side to adapt the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range punches yet unable to break through over thirty-two phases. Following probing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing through before assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try by Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions due to questionable calls, summing up an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the contest tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game hung in the balance, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

During the dying stages, Australia dug deep, winning a crucial set-piece then a infringement. They held on under pressure, sealing a gritty win which sets them up for the upcoming European tour.