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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia had a lot on the line following a challenging home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-Test road trip. This canny yet risky move mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started with intensity, with front-rower a key forward delivering several monster hits to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries hit early, as locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required an already reshuffled side to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on their opponents' line, pounding the defense via one-inch attacks but unable to break through over 32 rucks. After testing the middle without success, the team finally spread the ball from a scrum, with a center breaking the line and setting up a teammate for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback

A further potential score by Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to dubious calls, summing up a frustrating first half for Australia. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the match close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

The home team started with more energy in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after with Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win against Australia.

During the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a key set-piece then a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory that sets them up for the upcoming European fixtures.