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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts a three-game slide and maintains Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to repeat previous dramatic win over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had much on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-week tour. The canny yet risky move mirrored an earlier Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

Japan started strongly, with front-rower a key forward landing multiple monster hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This forced the already reshuffled side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range attacks yet failing to break through over thirty-two phases. After probing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing the line before assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the match close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with renewed energy after halftime, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after with Tizzano scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the game hung in the balance, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, Australia showed character, winning a crucial scrum and a infringement. The team stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty win that sets the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.