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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends a three-game losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished record versus Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies had a lot to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to give less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-week road trip. The canny though daring move echoed a previous Australian attempt in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit early, as locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required an already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells on their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range attacks yet unable to break through over thirty-two rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line and setting up a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent try from Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions because of questionable calls, summing up a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

Japan came out with more vigor in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after with the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory over Australia.

During the dying stages, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum then a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory which sets the squad well for the upcoming European tour.