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With a daring strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, with the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends a three-game slide and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where their top lineup will aim to replicate last year's thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players their chance, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-week tour. This shrewd though daring approach mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

Japan began strongly, with hooker a key forward delivering multiple big tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, as locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adapt their pack and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

Australia pressed for long spells near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense with one-inch punches but unable to score over 32 rucks. After testing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami breaking through and assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another potential try from a flanker was disallowed twice because of questionable calls, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via a forward to narrow the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the match hung in the balance, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win against Australia.

In the final minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial set-piece and a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that prepares the squad well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.