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With a daring move, the Wallabies benched 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, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top lineup will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, Australia had a lot on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-week road trip. This shrewd though daring move echoed a previous Australian attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side started with intensity, with front-rower Hayate Era landing several monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, with two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This forced an already revamped Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese line, hammering the defense via one-inch punches but failing to break through over 32 rucks. Following probing central channels ineffectively, the team finally went wide at the set-piece, and a center breaking the line before assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent try from a flanker was disallowed twice due to dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating first half experienced by Australia. Wet weather, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

Japan started with more vigor after halftime, registering through a forward to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after through Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish a comfortable lead.

But, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, letting a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the match was in the balance, with Japan pushing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece then a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought win that sets the squad up for their Northern Hemisphere fixtures.