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With a daring strategy, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and named their most inexperienced captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, as the Wallabies defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win ends three-match slide and maintains the Wallabies' perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also prepares the team for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's top lineup will strive to repeat last year's thrilling win over the English side.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies faced much to lose after a difficult home season. Head coach the team's strategist chose to give less experienced stars their chance, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-Test road trip. This canny though daring approach echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to Italy.

First-Half Struggles and Injury Blows

The home side began with intensity, with hooker a key forward landing several big hits to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as their new captain crossing from close range for an early advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, with two second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt their forward lineup and game plan on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Key Score

The Wallabies pressed for long spells on their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense with one-inch punches yet failing to score for thirty-two phases. Following testing central channels ineffectively, they finally went wide from a scrum, with Hunter Paisami slicing the line before setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further potential score by a flanker got disallowed on two occasions due to dubious calls, highlighting a frustrating opening period for Australia. Slippery weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the match tight.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team started with renewed vigor in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately after Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. At four points apart, the game hung in the balance, with the underdogs pressing for a historic win against Australia.

In the dying minutes, Australia dug deep, winning a crucial set-piece and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought victory that sets the squad up for their European fixtures.