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In a bold strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 team, Australia faced much to lose following a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-Test tour. The shrewd though daring move echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era landing multiple monster hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches but unable to break through over thirty-two rucks. Following testing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing through before setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score by Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the match tight.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan came out with more energy in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. Australia responded soon after through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the match hung in the balance, with Japan pressing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a key set-piece then a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory which sets the squad well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.