Wales secured a fourth win for head coach Steve Tandy in 13 internationals with a hard-fought 28-21 bonus-point victory over Japan at the Principality Stadium. Scores from prop Archie Griffin, wing Josh Adams and the rejuvenated Louis Rees-Zammit, who was named player-of-the-match, gave Wales a 21-14 half-time lead, with Japan replying with touchdowns from flanker Ben Gunter and lock Warner Dearns.
A Nervy Finish for Wales
The second half proved tense, with Adams crossing for his second try before Japan replacement Kenta Fukuda secured a losing bonus point for the visitors, setting up a frantic finale that the hosts managed to endure. Wales relied on strong ball-carrying contributions from Rees-Zammit, full-back Blair Murray, back-row pair Morgan and Wainwright and centre Eddie James. Head coach Tandy must be extremely worried about their failing line-out which lost six, the manner in which they permitted Japan to remain competitive, concerning indiscipline, and squandering attacking chances with careless handling mistakes.
Wales Stays Fifth with Victory
The victory maintains Wales’ position in fifth place in the northern hemisphere table. Their campaign in July began with a home victory over Fiji and losses in Argentina and South Africa, whereas Japan had beaten Italy but fallen to Ireland and France. The match was attended by 52,425 spectators. Wales will host New Zealand next Saturday before concluding the regular league campaign against Australia, with Japan scheduled to travel to play England and Scotland.
A Repeat of Last Year
This success echoes the dramatic Jarrod Evans penalty that clinched a single-point victory 12 months prior. Wales’ starting XV featured Archie Griffin and Dafydd Jenkins returning from injury to make their initial appearances in the competition. The side included the Cardiff Rugby contingent of Josh Adams, Alex Mann, Teddy Williams and James Botham. Allianz Stadium in Twickenham will subsequently host a three-day finals weekend at the end of November, and if the standings remain unchanged, Wales will face Japan once more for the fifth-placed spot.
