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In a bold move, Australia benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japan team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Losing Streak and Maintaining a Unbeaten Run

The close victory ends three-match losing streak and keeps Australia's perfect track record versus the Brave Blossoms intact. Additionally, it prepares the team for the upcoming fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will aim to replicate last year's thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies faced a lot on the line following a difficult home season. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand younger stars their chance, fearing fatigue over a demanding five-week tour. The shrewd though daring move mirrored an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan began strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with two second-rowers forced off—one with bruised ribs and his replacement the other with concussion. This forced the already revamped side to adjust their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall with short-range punches yet failing to score over thirty-two rucks. After probing central channels ineffectively, the team eventually went wide at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing through and setting up Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Resilience

A further apparent try from Carlo Tizzano was denied on two occasions because of dubious rulings, summing up an aggravating opening period for Australia. Wet weather, limited tactics, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the match close.

Late Drama and Nail-Biting Conclusion

Japan came out with renewed vigor in the second period, registering through Shuhei Takeuchi to narrow the deficit to six points. Australia responded quickly with the flanker scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, as Japan pushing for a historic victory over Australia.

During the final minutes, Australia showed character, winning a crucial scrum and a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty win which sets them well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.