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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and named their least seasoned captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, with the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's unblemished record versus Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which their first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had much on the line following a difficult domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to give less experienced stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-Test road trip. This canny yet risky move mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in 2022 that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, with hooker a key forward delivering multiple monster hits to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, as their new captain crossing from close range for an early advantage.

Injuries struck in the opening period, as locks second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped side to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense with one-inch attacks but failing to score for thirty-two phases. After testing central channels ineffectively, they finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami slicing through before setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential score by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the match tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At 19-15, the match hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win over Australia.

In the final stages, Australia showed character, securing a crucial scrum then a penalty. They stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win that sets them well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.