🔗 Share this article

With a daring strategy, Australia rested 13 key players and named the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this gamble paid off, with Australia's national rugby side overcame their former coach's Japanese squad by four points in a rain-soaked the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's unblemished track record against the Brave Blossoms intact. It also prepares the team for next week's return to rugby's hallowed ground, in which the squad's first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's dramatic triumph over England.

Schmidt's Canny Tactics Bring Rewards

Facing the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies faced a lot to lose after a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to hand younger stars their chance, fearing tiredness during a demanding five-week road trip. The shrewd yet risky move echoed a previous Wallabies experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Injury Blows

Japan began strongly, with front-rower Hayate Era delivering several monster hits to unsettle Australia. But, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for a 7-0 advantage.

Injuries hit early, as locks second-rowers substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement the other with concussion. This required an already revamped side to adapt their forward lineup and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Score

Australia pressed for long spells near their opponents' try-line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range attacks yet unable to score over 32 rucks. After probing the middle without success, the team finally spread the ball at the set-piece, and a center slicing the line before setting up a teammate for a try extending the lead to eleven points.

Debatable Calls and The Opposition's Fightback

Another apparent try from a flanker got denied on two occasions due to dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet weather, narrow tactics, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Late Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team started with renewed energy after halftime, scoring via a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia responded soon after through the flanker scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable advantage.

But, Japan responded immediately after the fullback fumbled a grubber, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At 19-15, the game hung on a knife-edge, as the underdogs pushing for their first-ever victory against Australia.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies dug deep, securing a crucial scrum and a penalty. They stood firm under pressure, clinching a gritty win that prepares the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.