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With a daring strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and named their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

The close victory halts three-match losing streak and maintains Australia's unblemished track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for next week's return to Twickenham, where the squad's first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose following a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced players an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky approach echoed an earlier Australian attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side began with intensity, including hooker a key forward landing multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Wallabies steadied and improved, with their new captain scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense with short-range attacks but unable to score over 32 phases. Following testing the middle without success, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line before setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano got denied twice because of dubious rulings, summing up a frustrating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

The home team started with more vigor in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. Australia responded quickly through Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. With the score 19-15, the game hung in the balance, with the underdogs pressing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key scrum then a infringement. They held on in the face of a storm, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares them well for their European fixtures.