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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished track record against Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice XV will aim to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced a lot to lose after a difficult home season. Coach the team's strategist opted to give less experienced stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. The canny though daring move mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan began strongly, including hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple big hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues 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 revamped side to adapt their pack and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense with one-inch punches but unable to break through for thirty-two phases. After probing the middle without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking through before setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score by a flanker got disallowed on two occasions due to questionable rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense ensured the contest close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with renewed vigor in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after with the flanker powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pressing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

During the final minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a key scrum then a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory which sets the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.