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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and named the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts a three-game slide and keeps Australia's unblemished record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had much on the line following a difficult home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to give younger players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a grueling five-week road trip. The canny yet risky approach echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

The home side started strongly, including hooker a key forward landing multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain crossing near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation forced the already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure for long spells on the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall via one-inch attacks yet failing to break through for 32 rucks. Following probing central channels without success, they finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice due to dubious calls, summing up an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the match close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team came out with more vigor after halftime, scoring through a forward to close the gap to six points. Australia responded soon after with the flanker scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately when the fullback dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the match was in the balance, as Japan pushing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key scrum then a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, sealing a gritty victory which sets them up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.