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With a daring move, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's unblemished record against Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had much on the line following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players their chance, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. This canny though daring approach mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Blows

The home side began with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era delivering several big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed repeatedly near the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range punches yet unable to score over thirty-two phases. Following testing the middle without success, they eventually went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing the line before assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed vigor in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly with the flanker scoring from a maul to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the game hung in the balance, as the underdogs pressing for their first-ever victory over Australia.

In the dying minutes, Australia showed character, securing a crucial set-piece then a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty win that sets the squad up for the upcoming European tour.