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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game slide and maintains Australia's perfect record against Japan intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top lineup will strive to repeat last year's thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to give younger stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. The canny though daring approach mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era delivering several big hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped side to adjust their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range punches but failing to break through over thirty-two phases. Following probing central channels ineffectively, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent score from a flanker got disallowed on two occasions due to questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan came out with renewed vigor in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back quickly through the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, Australia showed character, winning a key set-piece then a penalty. The team held on under pressure, clinching a gritty win that sets the squad well for their European fixtures.