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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 13 key players and named the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close win ends a three-game slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect track record against Japan intact. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's return to Twickenham, in which the squad's top XV will strive to repeat previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had much to lose after a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist chose to hand younger players their chance, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week tour. This canny though daring move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan began with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues hit in the opening period, with two second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation forced an already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense with one-inch punches but failing to score for thirty-two phases. After testing central channels ineffectively, they eventually went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line before setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent try from a flanker got disallowed on two occasions because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half for Australia. Slippery weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the match close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

Japan started with renewed energy in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to close the gap to six points. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker powering over close in to restore an 11-point lead.

But, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the match hung in the balance, with the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win against Australia.

During the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece then a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares them well for their Northern Hemisphere tour.