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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts three-match slide and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 team, Australia had much to lose following a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-Test tour. The shrewd yet risky move mirrored a previous Australian experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started strongly, including front-rower a key forward delivering several big hits to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries struck early, with two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced an already reshuffled side to adapt their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range attacks yet failing to break through over thirty-two phases. After testing central channels without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, and a center breaking the line and assisting a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice due to dubious calls, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the match close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after with Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately when the fullback fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win against Australia.

During the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory which sets the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.