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With a daring strategy, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's perfect record against Japan unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top XV will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give younger players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-Test road trip. This shrewd though daring approach mirrored a previous Australian attempt in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

Japan started with intensity, with front-rower a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range punches but unable to score for 32 phases. After testing central channels without success, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and a center slicing the line and assisting a teammate for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another potential try by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions due to questionable rulings, summing up an aggravating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team started with renewed vigor in the second period, scoring via a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly with Tizzano powering over close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after the fullback dropped a grubber, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece then a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty victory that sets the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.