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With a daring move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts a three-game slide and maintains Australia's unblemished record versus Japan intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's top lineup will strive to replicate previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had a lot to lose following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players their chance, fearing fatigue during a demanding five-week road trip. The canny yet risky approach echoed a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era landing several big tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation forced an already revamped Wallabies to adjust their pack and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed for long spells on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense with one-inch attacks yet unable to break through for 32 phases. After testing central channels ineffectively, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line before setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

Another apparent try from a flanker got disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the match tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly with the flanker scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan struck back after the fullback fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a key scrum and a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win which prepares them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.