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With a daring move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and named the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory ends a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to Twickenham, where the squad's top lineup will strive to replicate previous thrilling triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot to lose following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to give younger players their chance, fearing tiredness over a grueling five-Test road trip. The canny though daring move echoed a previous Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side started strongly, with front-rower a key forward landing multiple monster hits to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, as their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, with two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range punches but unable to break through for thirty-two rucks. Following testing the middle without success, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami breaking through and assisting a teammate for a score extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further potential score by Carlo Tizzano got denied on two occasions due to dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the match tight.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with more energy after halftime, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded quickly with the flanker powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the game was in the balance, with Japan pushing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, Australia dug deep, winning a crucial scrum and a infringement. The team held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty victory that sets the squad up for the upcoming European fixtures.