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With a daring move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side defeated their former coach's Japan squad by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow victory halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's top XV will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness during a grueling five-week tour. The canny though daring approach echoed an earlier Australian experiment in 2022 that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, including front-rower Hayate Era landing several monster tackles to rattle Australia. But, the Wallabies regained composure and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, as two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. The situation required the already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Frustrating Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range punches but unable to score for 32 rucks. Following probing the middle without success, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking through and setting up a teammate for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

A further apparent try by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions because of questionable calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the match tight.

Late Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with more vigor after halftime, scoring through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to six points. Australia hit back quickly through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score four points apart, the game hung in the balance, with Japan pressing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

In the final minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial scrum then a penalty. They stood firm in the face of a storm, clinching a gritty win which sets the squad well for their European fixtures.