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With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese team by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Snapping a Losing Streak and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts three-match slide and maintains Australia's unblemished record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for next week's fixture to Twickenham, in which the squad's top lineup will aim to replicate last year's thrilling win over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing world No. 13 team, the Wallabies had a lot to lose after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist chose to hand less experienced players an opportunity, concerned about fatigue during a demanding five-Test road trip. The shrewd though daring approach mirrored a previous Australian attempt in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented defeat to Italy.

Early Struggles and Injury Blows

Japan began with intensity, including front-rower a key forward delivering multiple big hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Wallabies regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck early, with locks locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in the other with concussion. This required the already reshuffled side to adapt their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia pressed repeatedly near the Japanese line, pounding the defensive wall with one-inch attacks yet failing to score over 32 rucks. After testing the middle ineffectively, they finally spread the ball from a scrum, with a center breaking the line and assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and Japan's Fightback

Another potential score from Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions because of questionable calls, summing up an aggravating first half for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, limited strategies, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Tense Finish

The home team started with renewed energy in the second period, registering via Shuhei Takeuchi to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies responded soon after with Tizzano powering over close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

However, Japan struck back when Andrew Kellaway fumbled a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. At four points apart, the match hung on a knife-edge, with the underdogs pressing for their first-ever victory against the Wallabies.

In the final stages, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial set-piece then a infringement. They held on under pressure, sealing a gritty win that sets the squad well for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.