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With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts three-match slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's top lineup will strive to repeat previous thrilling win over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia faced a lot on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players their chance, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-week tour. The canny though daring approach mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side began strongly, with front-rower a key forward delivering multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team steadied and improved, with their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced an already revamped Wallabies to adapt their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense via short-range attacks yet failing to score over thirty-two rucks. After probing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line and setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions due to dubious calls, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling kept the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with renewed energy after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the match was in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for a historic win over Australia.

In the final stages, Australia showed character, winning a key scrum then a penalty. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty victory which prepares the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.