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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested 13 key players and named their most inexperienced skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, with the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Maintaining a Perfect Record

This narrow victory halts a three-game slide and maintains the Wallabies' unblemished record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, where the squad's first-choice XV will strive to repeat previous thrilling triumph over the English side.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, the Wallabies had a lot on the line following a difficult home season. Coach the team's strategist opted to give less experienced stars an opportunity, fearing fatigue over a grueling five-week tour. This canny yet risky approach echoed a previous Wallabies attempt in recent years that ended in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan started with intensity, including front-rower a key forward delivering multiple big tackles to rattle the visitors. But, the Wallabies steadied and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring from close range for a 7-0 advantage.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, as two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adjust the team's forward lineup and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia applied pressure repeatedly on their opponents' line, hammering the defense via one-inch attacks but unable to break through over thirty-two phases. Following probing the middle ineffectively, the team eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing the line and setting up a teammate for a try that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another potential try from a flanker got denied on two occasions due to dubious calls, summing up an aggravating first half for Australia. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious defense kept the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Conclusion

The home team started with more vigor in the second period, registering through a forward to close the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly with Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish a comfortable lead.

But, Japan struck back after the fullback dropped a kick, letting Ben Hunter to score. At four points apart, the match was on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for a historic victory against Australia.

During the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, securing a key scrum and a infringement. The team stood firm in the face of a storm, sealing a hard-fought win which sets them well for their European fixtures.