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In a bold strategy, Australia benched 13 key players and named their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 team, Australia had a lot on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week road trip. This shrewd yet risky move echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era landing multiple big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, with two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced an already revamped side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure repeatedly near the Japanese line, hammering the defense via short-range punches but failing to score over 32 phases. After testing the middle without success, they eventually went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking through before assisting a teammate for a try that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential score from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice due to questionable rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the match close.

Late Drama and Tense Finish

Japan came out with more vigor after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a key set-piece and a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares the squad well for the upcoming European fixtures.