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In a bold strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and named the team's most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends three-match losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand younger players their chance, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-week tour. This canny yet risky approach echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side started strongly, with front-rower a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit early, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled side to adapt the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range punches but failing to score for 32 phases. Following testing the middle without success, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, and a center slicing through before assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent try by a flanker was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with renewed vigor after halftime, registering via a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. They stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win which sets the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.