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In a bold move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named their most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory halts three-match slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished track record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to Twickenham, where their top lineup will aim to replicate previous dramatic win over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia had much on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-week road trip. The canny though daring move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

Japan started strongly, with hooker a key forward delivering several monster hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Injuries struck early, with locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced an already revamped Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense with short-range attacks but unable to score for thirty-two phases. After testing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing the line and setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano got disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating first half experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the match close.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with more energy in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pressing for a historic win over the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece then a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a gritty win which prepares the squad up for their European fixtures.