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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and named their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice XV will aim to replicate last year's thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia had a lot on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger players an opportunity, fearing fatigue during a demanding five-Test road trip. The canny yet risky approach echoed a previous Australian attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan started strongly, with hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation forced an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese line, pounding the defense with short-range punches yet unable to break through over 32 rucks. After testing the middle without success, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential score by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious calls, summing up a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed vigor in the second period, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a kick, allowing a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum and a infringement. They held on under pressure, sealing a gritty win which prepares the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.