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With a daring strategy, Australia benched 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close win halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's perfect track record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their top XV will aim to repeat previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had a lot to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand less experienced stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week tour. This canny though daring move echoed an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side began strongly, with hooker a key forward delivering several big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, with two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation required the already reshuffled side to adjust their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near their opponents' line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range punches yet unable to score for 32 rucks. After probing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential try by a flanker was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

Japan came out with more vigor in the second period, registering through a forward to narrow the gap to six points. Australia responded quickly through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial scrum and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought win that sets them up for the upcoming European fixtures.