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In a bold strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their top lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced much to lose following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to give younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-Test tour. This canny though daring approach echoed a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, with front-rower a key forward landing multiple big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with their new captain scoring near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck early, as locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall via one-inch attacks but unable to score over thirty-two phases. After testing central channels without success, the team finally went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another potential score by a flanker was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, summing up a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the match tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with renewed energy in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, allowing a winger to score. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, Australia dug deep, winning a key scrum then a penalty. The team held on under pressure, sealing a hard-fought win which prepares them well for their European tour.