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With a daring move, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends a three-game losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's top XV will strive to replicate previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 team, Australia had a lot to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players their chance, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky move mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era landing multiple big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries struck in the opening period, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense via short-range punches yet unable to score over 32 phases. Following testing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line before assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano was denied twice because of questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the contest tight.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

Japan started with renewed energy after halftime, registering via a forward to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly with the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting a winger to cross. At four points apart, the game hung in the balance, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win against Australia.

During the dying minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key scrum then a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win which prepares the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.