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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named their least seasoned captain in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with the Wallabies overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished record against Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where their first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia had a lot on the line following a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-Test tour. This canny though daring move echoed a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, including hooker a key forward landing multiple monster hits to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Injuries hit early, with two locks substituted—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies pressed for long spells on their opponents' line, hammering the defense via one-inch punches yet failing to break through over thirty-two rucks. Following testing central channels without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line before setting up a teammate for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent score by a flanker got disallowed twice due to questionable calls, highlighting a frustrating first half for Australia. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the match close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

The home team came out with more energy in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after through Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At 19-15, the game hung in the balance, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win over the Wallabies.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key scrum and a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought victory which prepares them well for the upcoming European fixtures.