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With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win halts three-match losing streak and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's top XV will aim to replicate previous thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist chose to hand less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-Test tour. This canny though daring move echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side began strongly, with hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple big hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, as their new captain scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

Australia pressed for long spells on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defense via one-inch attacks yet unable to break through over 32 phases. After probing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing through and setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent score from a flanker got disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, summing up a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with more energy after halftime, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly with the flanker powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

However, Japan struck back after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the match was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

During the final minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece then a infringement. The team held on under pressure, sealing a hard-fought win which sets the squad up for the upcoming European fixtures.