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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice XV will aim to repeat previous dramatic win over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 Japan, Australia faced a lot on the line after a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players their chance, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-Test road trip. This canny though daring approach mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side began strongly, with hooker Hayate Era landing several monster tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed repeatedly on the Japanese line, pounding the defense via short-range attacks but failing to break through for thirty-two phases. After testing the middle without success, they finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing the line and setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential score from Carlo Tizzano got denied twice due to questionable calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan came out with more vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker powering over close in to restore a comfortable lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for their first-ever victory over Australia.

In the dying stages, Australia showed character, winning a crucial scrum and a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win that prepares them well for their European fixtures.