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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named their least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends a three-game losing streak and maintains the Wallabies' perfect record against Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice XV will aim to repeat last year's thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced much on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue over a grueling five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky move mirrored a previous Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side started with intensity, including hooker Hayate Era landing several big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced the already revamped side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch punches yet failing to score for thirty-two rucks. After probing central channels without success, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, with a center breaking through and assisting Josh Flook for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback

Another potential try by Carlo Tizzano got denied twice because of questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after through Tizzano scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, Australia dug deep, winning a key scrum then a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a gritty victory that prepares the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere tour.