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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and appointed their most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top XV will aim to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had a lot on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to give less experienced stars their chance, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-week tour. This canny yet risky move echoed a previous Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Japan began with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering multiple big hits to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches but failing to break through over 32 phases. After testing central channels ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line before assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

Another potential try by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions due to dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for Australia. Wet weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the match close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan came out with more energy in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting a winger to score. At four points apart, the game was in the balance, as Japan pressing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a crucial set-piece then a infringement. They stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that prepares them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.