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With a daring strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts a three-game losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which their first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line after a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-week tour. The canny though daring move mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

Japan began with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era landing several big tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, with locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense via one-inch punches yet failing to break through over 32 rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing the line and assisting a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback

A further potential try by a flanker was disallowed on two occasions due to questionable rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through a forward to close the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly through Tizzano scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when the fullback dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. At 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for a historic win against Australia.

In the final minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece then a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that sets them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.