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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top lineup will strive to repeat previous dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, Australia faced a lot on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-Test road trip. The canny yet risky approach echoed a previous Australian attempt in 2022 that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan began with intensity, with hooker a key forward delivering multiple big hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, as two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced the already revamped side to adjust the team's pack and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks but failing to break through over thirty-two phases. Following probing central channels without success, the team finally went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line before assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential score from a flanker was disallowed twice because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the contest tight.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

Japan came out with renewed vigor in the second period, registering through a forward to close the gap to six points. Australia hit back soon after through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key scrum then a infringement. They stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.