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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts three-match losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to Twickenham, in which their first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much to lose following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-Test road trip. The shrewd though daring approach mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started strongly, with front-rower a key forward delivering multiple big tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries struck early, with two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia pressed for long spells near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense with short-range punches but unable to break through for 32 rucks. Following probing the middle without success, they finally went wide at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line and assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent score from a flanker got denied twice because of questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the contest tight.

Late Action and Tense Finish

The home team came out with more energy after halftime, registering via a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded soon after through the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a key scrum and a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory which sets them up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.