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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and named the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japan team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win ends three-match slide and keeps Australia's perfect track record versus Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their top lineup will aim to replicate previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-Test tour. This canny though daring approach mirrored an earlier Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era landing several big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries hit early, with two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced an already reshuffled side to adapt the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range attacks yet unable to score over thirty-two rucks. After testing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line and assisting a teammate for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another potential try by a flanker got denied twice because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest tight.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed vigor in the second period, scoring through a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia hit back soon after through Tizzano scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the match hung in the balance, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win over Australia.

In the final minutes, Australia showed character, securing a crucial scrum and a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that prepares the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.