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With a daring move, Australia rested 13 key players and named their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished track record against Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where their first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much to lose after a challenging domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced players their chance, fearing tiredness during a demanding five-week road trip. The canny yet risky move echoed a previous Wallabies experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began strongly, including hooker Hayate Era delivering several big tackles to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, with locks second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation required the already revamped Wallabies to adjust their pack and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed for long spells near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defense with one-inch attacks yet failing to break through for thirty-two phases. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, and a center breaking the line before setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential try from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed on two occasions due to dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the match close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with more vigor after halftime, registering via a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when the fullback dropped a grubber, letting a winger to score. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for their first-ever win against the Wallabies.

During the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a crucial set-piece then a penalty. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that sets them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.