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In a bold move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed their least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends three-match slide and maintains Australia's perfect record versus Japan intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where their top XV will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much on the line following a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-Test tour. This canny yet risky approach echoed an earlier Australian attempt in recent years that ended in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Setbacks

The home side started strongly, with hooker a key forward delivering several monster hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. This forced an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt their pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed for long spells on their opponents' line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range punches but failing to break through for thirty-two rucks. After probing central channels without success, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking through and setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent score by a flanker got disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating opening period experienced by Australia. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan started with renewed energy in the second period, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. Australia responded soon after through Tizzano scoring close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. With the score four points apart, the match hung in the balance, with Japan pushing for a historic victory over the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. They stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win that prepares the squad up for their European fixtures.