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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their most inexperienced skipper in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow win halts a three-game slide and maintains Australia's unblemished record versus Japan intact. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice XV will aim to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to give younger stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-week road trip. The shrewd yet risky move echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to rattle Australia. However, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early lead.

Injuries hit early, as two locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. The situation required the already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells near their opponents' line, pounding the defense via short-range attacks yet unable to break through for thirty-two rucks. Following probing the middle without success, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions because of questionable calls, summing up an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Slippery conditions, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest tight.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team came out with renewed vigor after halftime, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

However, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to score. With the score 19-15, the game hung in the balance, with Japan pushing for their first-ever victory over Australia.

In the dying stages, Australia showed character, winning a key set-piece and a penalty. They held on under pressure, clinching a gritty win that sets the squad well for their European tour.