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In a bold strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top lineup will strive to replicate previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies faced much to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to give younger players their chance, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-week road trip. The shrewd yet risky approach echoed a previous Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

The home side began with intensity, including hooker a key forward delivering multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, with their new captain scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, with two second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced an already reshuffled side to adjust their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks yet unable to score for thirty-two phases. After testing central channels without success, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line and assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice due to questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the match close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

Japan came out with renewed energy in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly with the flanker powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the match was in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the final stages, Australia showed character, securing a key set-piece and a penalty. They stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory which sets the squad up for the upcoming European tour.