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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record against Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their top lineup will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose following a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced players their chance, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-week tour. This canny yet risky move echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side began strongly, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several big tackles to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed for long spells on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range attacks but failing to break through for thirty-two rucks. Following probing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide at the set-piece, and a center slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions because of dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with more vigor after halftime, registering via a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

During the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial scrum and a infringement. They stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win which prepares the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.