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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named their most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to Twickenham, in which their top lineup will aim to repeat previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced much on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to give younger stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week tour. The canny though daring approach mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, with hooker a key forward landing multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, with locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced an already reshuffled side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense with short-range punches yet failing to score over thirty-two phases. Following testing central channels without success, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and a center breaking through before setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent score by a flanker was denied twice due to questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Wet weather, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. Australia responded soon after through the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan struck back when the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting a winger to cross. At four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory against Australia.

In the final minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a crucial scrum and a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win which sets the squad up for their European fixtures.