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With a daring strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends three-match slide and maintains Australia's perfect record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice XV will aim to replicate last year's thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had much on the line following a difficult home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced players an opportunity, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-week road trip. The canny yet risky approach mirrored a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan began with intensity, with hooker a key forward delivering multiple big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch punches but unable to score for 32 phases. After probing central channels ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line and assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another potential score by a flanker got denied twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring via a forward to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back soon after with Tizzano powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the match hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for a historic win over the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a key scrum and a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty victory which sets the squad up for the upcoming European fixtures.