🔗 Share this article

With a daring strategy, the Wallabies benched a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in over six decades. Against the odds, this gamble proved successful, as the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japanese team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Ending a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

The close win ends a three-game slide and keeps the Wallabies' unblemished record against the Brave Blossoms unbroken. It also sets them up for next week's return to Twickenham, where the squad's first-choice XV will aim to repeat previous dramatic win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Bring Rewards

Up against the 13th-ranked Japan, the Wallabies had a lot on the line after a difficult domestic campaign. Coach the team's strategist chose to give younger players their chance, fearing fatigue during a grueling five-Test road trip. The shrewd though daring move mirrored an earlier Australian attempt in 2022 that ended in a historic defeat to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Fitness Setbacks

Japan started with intensity, including front-rower a key forward delivering multiple big tackles to unsettle the visitors. However, the Australian team regained composure and sharpened, as their new captain scoring from close range for a 7-0 lead.

Fitness issues struck early, as locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and stand-in Josh Canham. This forced the already reshuffled side to adapt the team's pack and tactics mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure repeatedly on the Japanese try-line, pounding the defense with short-range punches but failing to score over 32 rucks. After testing central channels ineffectively, they eventually went wide at the set-piece, with Hunter Paisami breaking through and setting up a teammate for a score extending the lead to eleven points.

Controversial Decisions and The Opposition's Resilience

Another apparent score from a flanker got denied on two occasions because of dubious calls, highlighting an aggravating opening period experienced by Australia. Slippery conditions, narrow tactics, and Japan's ferocious tackling ensured the contest close.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

Japan came out with more energy in the second period, scoring through a forward to close the deficit to six points. The Wallabies hit back quickly through the flanker scoring from a maul to re-establish an 11-point lead.

But, the Brave Blossoms responded immediately when Andrew Kellaway dropped a grubber, allowing a winger to cross. With the score four points apart, the game was in the balance, with Japan pressing for their first-ever win over the Wallabies.

During the dying minutes, the Wallabies showed character, winning a crucial scrum then a penalty. The team held on in the face of a storm, sealing a gritty victory which prepares them well for the upcoming European fixtures.