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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which their first-choice XV will aim to repeat previous thrilling win over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced much to lose after a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand younger stars an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a demanding five-Test road trip. This canny yet risky approach mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that resulted in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began strongly, including hooker a key forward landing multiple monster tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, as their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced the already revamped side to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches but unable to break through over 32 rucks. Following testing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, and a center breaking through and setting up a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed twice due to questionable rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period for Australia. Slippery conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous defense ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed energy after halftime, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker scoring close in to restore a comfortable advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pressing for a historic victory over Australia.

In the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a key scrum then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win which sets the squad well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.