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In a bold move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and named their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win ends three-match losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's top lineup will aim to repeat previous thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much on the line after a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand younger stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-Test tour. The shrewd though daring move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started strongly, with front-rower a key forward landing multiple big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit early, with two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range punches but failing to score over 32 rucks. After testing the middle ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent try by a flanker got disallowed twice because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with more vigor after halftime, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to six points. Australia hit back soon after through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. With the score four points apart, the game hung in the balance, with the underdogs pressing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the dying stages, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece and a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty victory which prepares them well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.