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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory ends three-match losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished record versus Japan intact. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's first-choice XV will aim to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had a lot on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky approach echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, with hooker a key forward delivering multiple monster tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Australian team steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed repeatedly near their opponents' line, pounding the defense via short-range attacks yet failing to break through for 32 rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, they eventually spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line before setting up a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential score by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of questionable calls, summing up a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling kept the contest close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with renewed energy after halftime, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to score. At 19-15, the game hung in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

During the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key set-piece then a penalty. The team stood firm under pressure, sealing a hard-fought victory that sets the squad up for the upcoming European tour.