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In a bold move, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in 64 years. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as the Wallabies overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished track record against Japan intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Up against world No. 13 Japan, the Wallabies had much to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist opted to give younger stars an opportunity, concerned about fatigue over a grueling five-Test tour. The canny yet risky move echoed a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in a historic loss to Italy.

Early Challenges and Fitness Blows

The home side began strongly, with hooker a key forward landing multiple big hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, with locks locks forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in Josh Canham. This required an already reshuffled Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and game plan on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Key Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' line, pounding the defense via short-range punches but unable to break through for thirty-two rucks. After testing central channels ineffectively, the team finally went wide from a scrum, and a center breaking the line before assisting a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Decisions and Japan's Resilience

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano was denied twice because of dubious rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest tight.

Late Action and Tense Finish

The home team started with more energy in the second period, scoring via a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies hit back soon after through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, allowing a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever win against Australia.

In the final minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key set-piece and a infringement. They held on under pressure, clinching a gritty victory which prepares them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.