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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named their most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game slide and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's top lineup will strive to repeat previous dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia had a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-week tour. The canny though daring move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, with hooker a key forward landing several monster tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, with their new captain scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, with locks locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense via short-range punches yet unable to break through over 32 rucks. Following testing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with a center slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

Another potential try from Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions because of dubious calls, summing up a frustrating first half for Australia. Wet conditions, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

Japan came out with more vigor in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after with Tizzano powering over from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan struck back after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, allowing a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the game hung in the balance, as Japan pushing for a historic victory over Australia.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece then a penalty. They held on under pressure, sealing a gritty victory which sets them up for the upcoming European fixtures.