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With a daring move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win ends three-match slide and maintains Australia's unblemished record versus Japan intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's top XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 team, Australia had a lot on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to give younger players their chance, fearing tiredness during a grueling five-week tour. The canny though daring move mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan began with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, as two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation forced the already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' line, pounding the defense via one-inch attacks but failing to break through over thirty-two phases. After testing central channels without success, they eventually went wide from a scrum, and a center slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to dubious rulings, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

Japan started with renewed energy after halftime, registering through a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after through Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable lead.

However, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key scrum and a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win that prepares the squad well for the upcoming European tour.