🔗 Share this article

With a daring strategy, Australia rested a dozen-plus stars and named their least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Despite the risks, this gamble proved successful, as Australia's national rugby side overcame 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 ends a three-game losing streak and maintains Australia's perfect track record against Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming return to Twickenham, in which their first-choice lineup will strive to repeat last year's thrilling win over England.

The Coach's Canny Strategy Pay Off

Up against the 13th-ranked team, Australia faced a lot to lose following a difficult home season. Coach Joe Schmidt opted to hand younger stars an opportunity, fearing tiredness over a demanding five-Test road trip. This canny yet risky approach mirrored a previous Wallabies attempt in 2022 that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Struggles and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including front-rower a key forward delivering multiple monster tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, with Nick Champion de Crespigny crossing near the line for a 7-0 lead.

Injuries struck early, as two locks substituted—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. This required the already reshuffled Wallabies to adjust their forward lineup and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Attack and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly near their opponents' try-line, hammering the defensive wall via short-range attacks yet failing to break through for 32 rucks. After testing the middle without success, they finally spread the ball at the set-piece, and Hunter Paisami slicing through and assisting Josh Flook for a try that made it eleven points.

Controversial Calls and Japan's Fightback

Another apparent score by Carlo Tizzano was disallowed on two occasions because of dubious rulings, highlighting a frustrating first half for the Wallabies. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' courageous tackling kept the contest close.

Second-Half Action and Nail-Biting Finish

Japan came out with more energy after halftime, registering through a forward to narrow the gap to 14-8. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano powering over close in to restore an 11-point advantage.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when the fullback dropped a kick, allowing a winger to cross. At four points apart, the game was on a knife-edge, with Japan pushing for their first-ever win against Australia.

In the dying minutes, Australia showed character, securing a key scrum then a infringement. The team held on under pressure, sealing a hard-fought victory which prepares the squad up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fixtures.