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With a daring move, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends three-match slide and keeps Australia's unblemished record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where their first-choice lineup will strive to repeat previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced stars their chance, concerned about fatigue over a grueling five-Test tour. This shrewd though daring move mirrored an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering multiple monster hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with their new captain scoring from close range for an early lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, with two second-rowers substituted—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation forced the already revamped side to adapt the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

Australia pressed repeatedly near their opponents' line, hammering the defense with one-inch attacks but unable to break through over 32 rucks. Following probing central channels ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking through and setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

A further potential try by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice due to questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's ferocious defense ensured the match close.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. Australia responded soon after with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as Japan pressing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. They stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win that sets the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.