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In a bold strategy, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory ends a three-game slide and keeps Australia's unblemished record against Japan intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's top XV will aim to replicate previous dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced much on the line after a challenging domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced players their chance, concerned about tiredness over a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd yet risky move mirrored an earlier Australian attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan started strongly, with hooker a key forward landing several big tackles to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with their new captain crossing near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues hit early, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Key Score

Australia pressed repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense via one-inch punches yet unable to break through for 32 phases. After testing central channels without success, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center slicing the line and setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

A further apparent try from Carlo Tizzano got disallowed twice because of dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for Australia. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling kept the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

Japan started with more energy in the second period, registering via a forward to close the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back soon after through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a kick, letting a winger to score. At four points apart, the game hung on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for a historic win over Australia.

In the final stages, Australia dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece and a penalty. The team held on under pressure, sealing a hard-fought win that prepares the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.