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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top lineup will strive to repeat last year's thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced players their chance, concerned about fatigue over a grueling five-week road trip. This canny yet risky approach mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Japan began with intensity, including front-rower a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team steadied and improved, as their new captain crossing near the line for an early lead.

Injuries hit early, as locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced the already revamped Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense with short-range punches but unable to break through for 32 phases. After testing central channels ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing the line before setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions because of dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for Australia. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan came out with more vigor after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point lead.

However, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. At 19-15, the game hung in the balance, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win over Australia.

During the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty win that sets them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.