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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts a three-game slide and keeps Australia's unblemished record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced a lot on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-Test road trip. The canny though daring move echoed an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries struck in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly on their opponents' line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range punches yet failing to break through over 32 phases. Following probing the middle without success, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking the line before setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent score by a flanker was disallowed twice due to dubious calls, summing up a frustrating first half for Australia. Wet weather, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious defense ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed energy after halftime, registering via a forward to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the final stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key scrum and a penalty. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty win that prepares them up for their Northern Hemisphere tour.