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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record against Japan intact. It also sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top XV will strive to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players an opportunity, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-Test road trip. This canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan started with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering multiple big hits to rattle the visitors. But, the Australian team steadied and improved, with their new captain crossing from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit early, with two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. This required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt their pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' line, hammering the defense with short-range punches but failing to break through over thirty-two phases. After testing central channels without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential score by a flanker was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring through a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after with the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the match hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

During the dying stages, Australia showed character, winning a key set-piece then a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win that prepares them well for the upcoming European fixtures.