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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends a three-game losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic win over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-week tour. The canny yet risky approach mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started strongly, including hooker a key forward landing multiple big hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, with locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' line, pounding the defense with one-inch punches but unable to score for 32 phases. Following probing central channels without success, they finally went wide from a scrum, and a center slicing the line and setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further potential try by a flanker got disallowed on two occasions due to dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

Japan came out with renewed vigor after halftime, scoring via a forward to close the gap to six points. The Wallabies responded quickly with the flanker powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable lead.

However, Japan struck back when the fullback fumbled a kick, allowing a winger to score. At 19-15, the match hung in the balance, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

During the dying stages, Australia showed character, winning a crucial scrum then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win which sets the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.