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In a bold strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and named their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory halts three-match losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record against Japan intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice XV will aim to repeat previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had much on the line following a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give younger players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-Test tour. The shrewd though daring move echoed a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in a historic loss to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Japan started strongly, with front-rower a key forward landing several monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced the already reshuffled side to adjust their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense with short-range punches but failing to score over thirty-two rucks. After testing the middle without success, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious rulings, highlighting an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the match tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with more vigor after halftime, registering via a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly through Tizzano powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win over the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, Australia showed character, winning a key scrum then a penalty. The team stood firm under pressure, sealing a hard-fought win that prepares them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.