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In a bold strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and named the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their top XV will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had a lot to lose following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-Test tour. The canny yet risky approach echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, with hooker 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 a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required the already revamped Wallabies to adapt their pack and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Score

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch punches yet unable to score over 32 rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, they eventually went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking through and setting up a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano was denied twice due to questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous defense kept the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with more vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting a winger to cross. At four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for a historic win over Australia.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial scrum then a penalty. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.