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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win ends three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice XV will strive to replicate last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-week tour. This shrewd though daring approach mirrored a previous Australian attempt in recent years that resulted in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, including front-rower a key forward landing multiple big hits to rattle the visitors. However, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. This required an already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall with one-inch attacks but failing to break through over thirty-two phases. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball from a scrum, with a center slicing through before assisting a teammate for a score that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent score from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the match tight.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to six points. Australia hit back quickly with Tizzano scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

However, the Brave Blossoms struck back when the fullback fumbled a kick, allowing a winger to cross. At four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pushing for a historic win against Australia.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key scrum and a penalty. The team stood firm under pressure, sealing a gritty victory which sets the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.