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In a bold strategy, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts a three-game losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record against Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic win over England.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had a lot on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to give younger stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-Test road trip. The canny yet risky approach mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan began with intensity, including front-rower a key forward landing several monster tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries hit early, as two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced an already revamped Wallabies to adapt their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range attacks but unable to score over 32 rucks. After testing central channels without success, they finally went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing through before setting up a teammate for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

Another potential score by Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions because of questionable rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with more vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded soon after through Tizzano powering over close in to restore an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, letting a winger to score. At 19-15, the match hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the final minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum then a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory that prepares the squad up for their European fixtures.