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In a bold move, Australia rested 13 key players and appointed 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 ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan squad by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Unbeaten Run

This narrow win ends three-match slide and keeps Australia's unblemished track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which the squad's first-choice XV will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

The Coach's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced much on the line following a challenging domestic campaign. Coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger stars their chance, concerned about fatigue over a grueling five-week tour. This canny though daring approach echoed an earlier Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

The home side began strongly, including hooker a key forward delivering several big tackles to unsettle Australia. However, the Australian team steadied and improved, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck early, with locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled side to adjust the team's pack and tactics on the fly.

Frustrating Offense and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense with one-inch attacks but unable to score for 32 phases. Following testing the middle without success, the team finally spread the ball from a scrum, and Hunter Paisami breaking the line and setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another apparent score by a flanker was denied twice due to questionable calls, summing up an aggravating opening period for Australia. Slippery conditions, narrow strategies, and Japan's courageous tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan started with renewed vigor after halftime, registering via a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. The Wallabies responded soon after through the flanker powering over close in to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a kick, letting a winger to score. With the score 19-15, the game was on a knife-edge, with Japan pressing for their first-ever victory over the Wallabies.

During the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a crucial scrum then a penalty. They held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory that sets them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.