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With a daring strategy, Australia benched 13 key players and named the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision paid off, as Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close victory ends three-match slide and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus Japan unbroken. It also prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's top lineup will strive to repeat previous dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, Australia faced a lot to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Head coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-week tour. The canny though daring move mirrored a previous Australian experiment in recent years that ended in a historic loss to the Italian side.

Early Struggles and Fitness Blows

The home side started with intensity, including front-rower a key forward delivering several big hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team steadied and sharpened, as their new captain crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries hit in the opening period, as two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and stand-in the other with concussion. This required an already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Score

Australia applied pressure for long spells near the Japanese try-line, hammering the defensive wall via one-inch punches but failing to break through for thirty-two phases. Following testing central channels without success, they finally went wide at the set-piece, with a center slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another potential score by a flanker got denied twice due to questionable calls, summing up a frustrating opening period for Australia. Slippery weather, limited tactics, and Japan's courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Late Drama and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with more vigor in the second period, registering via a forward to narrow the gap to six points. Australia hit back quickly through Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish an 11-point advantage.

But, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting Ben Hunter to cross. With the score 19-15, the game hung in the balance, as Japan pushing for a historic win against the Wallabies.

During the dying stages, Australia showed character, securing a crucial set-piece and a infringement. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a hard-fought win which sets them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.