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In a bold strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and keeps Australia's perfect record versus Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice XV will strive to replicate last year's dramatic win over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger players an opportunity, fearing fatigue during a demanding five-Test tour. This shrewd though daring move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side started strongly, with hooker Hayate Era landing multiple big hits to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for an early lead.

Injuries hit early, as locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. This required an already revamped side to adjust the team's pack and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

Australia pressed for long spells near their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks yet failing to break through for 32 phases. Following testing central channels without success, they finally went wide at the set-piece, and a center slicing through and assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

Another apparent try from Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with renewed energy in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after with the flanker powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable lead.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At 19-15, the match hung in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for a historic victory over Australia.

In the final stages, Australia dug deep, securing a key set-piece and a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win that sets the squad well for the upcoming European tour.