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With a daring move, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game slide and keeps the Wallabies' perfect record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also sets them up for the upcoming return to Twickenham, where the squad's top lineup will strive to replicate previous dramatic win over England.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about tiredness over a grueling five-week tour. The shrewd though daring move mirrored a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Injury Setbacks

The home side started strongly, including front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and improved, with their new captain crossing near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, with locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall with short-range punches but unable to score for 32 rucks. Following probing the middle without success, the team eventually went wide from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami slicing through before assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

Another apparent try from a flanker was disallowed on two occasions because of dubious calls, summing up a frustrating opening period for the Wallabies. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling kept the contest tight.

Late Action and Tense Finish

The home team started with renewed energy in the second period, scoring via Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the gap to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan struck back when the fullback dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for a historic win over Australia.

In the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial set-piece and a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that prepares them well for their European fixtures.