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With a daring move, Australia rested 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win ends three-match losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia had a lot on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced players an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week tour. The canny though daring approach echoed a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several big hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, as their new captain crossing from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch punches yet failing to break through over 32 rucks. After testing central channels ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing through before assisting a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential score by a flanker got disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring via a forward to narrow the gap to six points. Australia responded soon after through Tizzano scoring close in to restore a comfortable lead.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

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