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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory ends three-match slide and maintains Australia's perfect track record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which their top XV will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness during a demanding five-week road trip. This canny though daring approach echoed a previous Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan began with intensity, with front-rower a key forward landing several monster tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced an already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range attacks but unable to score over thirty-two rucks. After probing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line before setting up a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential try from a flanker was disallowed twice because of dubious calls, summing up a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

Japan started with renewed vigor in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly with the flanker scoring close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a key scrum and a penalty. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a hard-fought win that prepares the squad well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.