🔗 Share this article

With a daring move, Australia benched 13 key players and appointed the team's least seasoned captain in over six decades. Despite the risks, this high-stakes decision proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side defeated ex-mentor Eddie Jones' Japanese squad by four points in wet and windy the Japanese capital.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win halts a three-game losing streak and keeps Australia's unblemished record against Japan intact. It also sets them up for next week's fixture to rugby's hallowed ground, where their first-choice lineup will aim to replicate previous thrilling win over England.

The Coach's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Facing world No. 13 Japan, Australia faced a lot on the line after a challenging home season. Head coach Joe Schmidt chose to hand younger players their chance, fearing tiredness during a demanding five-Test tour. The shrewd yet risky approach echoed an earlier Australian experiment in recent years that ended in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

Early Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

The home side started with intensity, with hooker Hayate Era delivering multiple big hits to unsettle the visitors. But, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early lead.

Fitness issues struck in the opening period, with locks second-rowers forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This forced the already reshuffled side to adapt their pack and tactics on the fly.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

Australia pressed for long spells on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defensive wall via short-range attacks yet failing to score for thirty-two rucks. After probing the middle without success, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, and a center slicing the line and assisting Josh Flook for a try extending the lead to 14-3.

Debatable Calls and Japan's Resilience

Another apparent try from a flanker was disallowed twice because of questionable rulings, highlighting an aggravating opening period for the Wallabies. Wet weather, limited strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Finish

The home team came out with more vigor after halftime, registering via a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia hit back quickly with Tizzano powering over from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, Japan responded immediately when the fullback dropped a kick, allowing Ben Hunter to cross. At four points apart, the game was in the balance, as Japan pushing for their first-ever win over Australia.

In the dying stages, the Wallabies showed character, winning a key set-piece and a infringement. The team held on under pressure, sealing a gritty win that sets them up for the upcoming European fixtures.