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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts three-match slide and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished record versus Japan intact. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's top XV will strive to repeat previous dramatic triumph over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot on the line after a challenging home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand less experienced players their chance, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-Test tour. The canny yet risky move mirrored a previous Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side began strongly, with hooker Hayate Era delivering several monster hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain scoring from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, with locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This required an already revamped Wallabies to adapt their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Attack and Key Try

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense with short-range attacks yet failing to break through for 32 phases. Following testing central channels without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, and a center slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a try that made it 14-3.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent score from a flanker got denied on two occasions due to dubious calls, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Wet conditions, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

Japan started with more vigor in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after with Tizzano powering over from a maul to restore a comfortable lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, allowing a winger to cross. At four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for a historic victory against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key scrum and a penalty. The team stood firm under pressure, sealing a hard-fought victory that sets them well for their European fixtures.