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In a bold move, Australia benched 13 key players and named their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends a three-game slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, in which their first-choice XV will aim to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-week tour. The canny yet risky move mirrored an earlier Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side started with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range punches but failing to break through for 32 phases. After probing the middle without success, they finally went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing the line before assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try by a flanker was denied twice due to questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the contest tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with more vigor in the second period, registering via a forward to narrow the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan struck back after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the match was in the balance, with the underdogs pressing for their first-ever win over Australia.

In the final stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece then a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win which sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.