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Wales’ nightmare worsens with 18th straight defeat as they wilt against Japan

Wales react to defeat
Wales led 19-7 at half-time but did not score a point in the second half – Getty Images

It was the match Wales dared not lose – and yes, Wales lost it.

The streak of defeats has stretched to 18 Tests and although it is easy to say that the nightmare continues, that statement is wrong. The nightmare is actually becoming worse and yet more gruesome.

In the horrendous run since their last victory 20 months ago, this could be classed as the low point. So far.

On this pathetic evidence it is difficult to see where will the win come from after this second-half collapse that saw Matt Sherratt’s men concede 17 points and score none.

They have another encounter in Japan next Saturday, but Eddie Jones will be licking his lips at the prospect. Credit to Japan and their wily coach – who proved he still has the odd masterstroke left in him – because, in the excruciating heat and humidity, they stepped up a level in the second half.

Japan celebrate
Japan celebrate scoring their third try (above) as Eddie Jones (below) oversaw a second-half fightback – Getty Images
Eddie Jones

But then, the home side, with eight debutants, were so poor in the opening period that there was nowhere else to go but upwards. 
They seemed so compliant in allowing Ben Thomas and Tom Rogers over the try-line, it seemed that they were perfect opponents for Wales to end their brutal spell.

Tom Rogers of Wales fends off the tackle of Malo Tuitama of Japan to score the team's third try
Tom Rogers fends off Malo Tuitama to score Wales’ third try and seemingly put them in control – Getty Images

They even conceded a penalty try and a yellow card when early substitute Ichigo Nakakusu slapped the ball over the dead-ball line with Josh Adams waiting to touchdown. This was it. Wales could not lose to this shambles. Could they?

Alas, never underestimate the Dragons’ capacity to blow it. In the searing heat, Wales bizarrely decided to play it passively after going in 19-7 to the good at half-time. They stupidly believed that they had the nous to control the game with 25 minutes remaining and simply starve Japan of the ball – the Brave Blossoms leapt on the red-shirted insecurity.

Whatever Jones told them at half-time, they were reborn, suddenly bursting forwards and chucking it through the hands to grasp hold of another famous win. First Nakakusu made up for his earlier discretion and then fellow replacement Halatoa Vailea also went over.

Lee Seung-sin’s aim was unerring from the kicking tee and his penalty in between the tries meant Wales needed a late try to snatch it. Except they did not have a clue how to raise themselves and stood around stunned at the denouement.

Why they were stunned is anyone’s guess. This was a standard capitulation from a rugby-loving nation that has completely lost their way and they deservedly slip to 14th in the world rankings. Desperate does not begin to describe it.

08:38 AM BST

More from Alun Wyn Jones

Credit to the guys who are doing the leadership roles in the Wales team at the minute, they are not hiding from any accountability.

One comment [from captain Dewi Lake] was telling: “I thought we were in control.”

They thought they were in control but sometimes that can be an illusion – you still have to keep the scoreboard ticking over, win the territory battle, stop the error count.

That is the dangerous thing for that team at the minute.

08:32 AM BST

A bit of positivity from Rhys Patchell

Wales will be extremely happy with 50 minutes of their game, they have shown their game plan works, now they have to elongate that.

08:29 AM BST

Japan’s winning try…

…. complete with Japanese commentary

08:26 AM BST

Wales captain speaks

Dewi Lake on the BBC

Probably it was a bit of discipline [that cost Wales] whether that be penalty count or not taking our opportunities in the 22, a couple of our mistakes cost us dearly in the second half.

We allowed Japan to play their game in the second half and they’re tough to stop when they’re playing at speed.

We probably felt like we were in control but if you don’t score points you’re not going to win games.

Obviously conditions were going to play a factor but we’re not blaming that. We weren’t clinical enough. We look at ourselves first.

08:22 AM BST

Rhys Patchell on BBC

The discipline got away from Wales. Japan went two penalties on the bounce to get themselves in the position for the winning try. That will be the frustration: that was avoidable. 

At 19-7 ahead and still pressing for the first 10 minutes of the second half, another score would have killed the game and Wales would have been home and hosed.

08:14 AM BST

Alun Wyn Jones on BBC

Wales took their chances in the first half but then… they will be frustrated more than anything because they had enough to stay ahead and win the game.

There was a turning point around 55/60 minutes when the penalties starting creeping in and Japan got a sniff then we saw that try, which was back to basics, go round the corner and try to out-work Wales.

Once they got that try it was difficult to reel the game back in.

Japan have probably relied on fitness and acclimatisation because if you start chasing the game in those conditions, it’s definitely not something you want to do.

08:10 AM BST

Wales pay for passive game plan

Wales came out this half with a passive game plan and it has to be said, a losing mindset. They were by far the most dominant team in the first half and despite there only being 12 points in it, bizarrely believed that they could keep it tight and carry on frustrating Japan. Yet whatever Eddie Jones said at half-time has rejuvenated the home side and with two second-half tries have taken the advantage.

08:08 AM BST

Full time: Japan 24 Wales 19

Wales have lost an 18th straight match!

They were leading 19-7 but did not score in the second half.

08:06 AM BST

79 mins: Japan 24 Wales 19

Japan should be closing this down but their open approach means Wales have a decent chance here… 90 seconds left

08:04 AM BST

77 mins: Japan 24 Wales 19

Wales will drop to 14th in world rankings if they lose this. Another penalty for Japan but they play on, but their kick is charged down and Blair Murray tries to break but is held up, will Japan regret that?

08:01 AM BST

73 mins: Japan 24 Wales 19

Murray puts a clever grubber kick ahead down the left wing and into the Japan 22. The ball comes off Vailea and into touch so Wales will have the lineout.

Japan steal the lineout and the chance is gone for Wales.

07:58 AM BST

TRY! Vailea gives Japan lead for first time

Wales are falling apart. They just about halt the maul but Vailea breaks off and scores. Lee gets the conversion and Japan now lead by five points. Eddie Jones is getting animated in the Japanese coaching box. Are Wales heading towards an 18th-straight defeat?

07:58 AM BST

70 mins: Japan 17 Wales 19

Japan win the lineout and set the maul…

07:57 AM BST

69 mins: Japan 17 Wales 19

Japan win a scrum penalty on the Welsh 10-metre line as the replacement loosehead prop G Thomas does not push straight. Japan kick deep into the Wales 22.

07:56 AM BST

68 mins: Japan 17 Wales 19

It is a Wales debut for hooker Belcher, who replaces captain Lake. They also bring R Williams on for J Williams.

07:54 AM BST

65 mins: Japan 17 Wales 19

You can sense the nerves in the Welsh camp. They are playing very little rugby and Hardy has just had a box-kick charged down. A reminder Wales have not won a Test match since the World Cup in 2023!

Let’s be honest, this has been an appalling Test match. Granted, it has not been helped by the sweltering conditions and, with a heat index stretching above C40 degrees, it is frankly stupid that this is not being contested in the evening instead of the middle of the afternoon. But this is a pair of poor and nervous sides. Heading towards the final quarter, Wales look simply happy to hang on, but with replacement Nakasuka scoring, there are only five points in it. Sweaty palms in Kitakyushu. Sweaty everything.

07:52 AM BST

PENALTY JAPAN!

Lee belts the kick through the posts and there are just two points in it now.

07:51 AM BST

63 mins: Japan 14 Wales 19

Gunter is over in the corner and the Japanese crowd goes nuts but Cornelsen’s pass to Gunter was forward so we go back to the penalty on the fringes of the Welsh 22.

Japan will go for three…

07:50 AM BST

61 mins: Japan 14 Wales 19

Japan are building some momentum and are Wales creaking? Japan are in possession inside the Welsh 22 with a penalty advantage….

07:48 AM BST

60 mins: Japan 14 Wales 19

Wales gift Japan an easy exit as they are penalised at the maul straight from kick-off.

07:47 AM BST

TRY! Nakakusu cuts Wales’ lead

This game is far from done. Japan have the penalty advantage but do not need it as they come down the left and it is Nakakusu who dots down in the left corner. Lee gets the tough conversion and the gap is now just five points. Game well and truly on.

07:46 AM BST

58 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Japan have a penalty advantage deep inside the Welsh 22. They are just five metres out…

07:42 AM BST

57 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Japan win a penalty on the Welsh 10-metre line as the visitors are caught going off their feet at the ruck. The kick is sent into the Wales 22.

Wales are making a double change in the back-row as Wainwright and Reffell replace Faletau and Macleod.

Time for a drinks break.

07:39 AM BST

54 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

After Japan send Wales backwards, Costelow sends a high bomb into the Japan 22 but Nakakusu takes the catch under pressure and calls the mark.

07:38 AM BST

53 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

The referee has been quick to blow his whistle at the breakdown and Wales are the beneficiaries once more as Lake wins Wales the penalty just inside the Japan half. Costelow sends the kick just shy of the Japan 22.

07:36 AM BST

51 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Wales have changed their props as G Thomas and Griffin replace Smith and Assiratti.

07:35 AM BST

50 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Japan are attacking on the fringes of the Welsh 22 but Lee is caught holding on. Smith and Mann were quickly over the ball for Wales and Lee was isolated as he went into contact.

07:34 AM BST

49 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Uluiviti goes over but will this try stand? I think not. Was Lee’s offload off the ground to Fujiwara before Uluiviti picked up and scored knocked on? The slowed-down replays show it came forward off the hand of Fujiwara so the try does not stand.

07:27 AM BST

44 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Wales will be so annoyed at themselves as Smith is penalised for obstruction at the maul.

07:26 AM BST

43 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Wales are awarded a penalty just inside their own half as Japan are caught crossing and Costelow belts the kick all the way into the Japan 22.

Wales are attacking deep inside the Japan 22 and knock on just five metres out from the line but Japan are caught offside. Costelow puts it into the corner.

07:24 AM BST

41 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Hardy needs to be a little careful over how much time he takes at the ruck as he is nearly caught out be the experienced Leitch as the ball is called out inside the Welsh 22.

07:22 AM BST

Second half

We are back under way in Kitakyushu. We are hearing that Ben Carter, after going down with a head injury inside the first minute, is up and about, which is good news.

Good news regarding Ben Carter, the Wales lock who was carried off on a stretcher after going down with what appeared to be a neck injury after just 27 seconds. Elliott Dee, the reserve hooker, reported to BBC Wales that the 24-year-old “has been in contact with a few of the boys and is walking around”.  

07:16 AM BST

HT stats

Possession: Japan 31%- 69% Wales

Tackles: 55-27

Tackles missed: 9-5

Carries: 23-43

Carry metres: 64-147

Penalties conceded: 4-2

07:12 AM BST

Keeping cool

English touch judge Luke Pearce trying to find any way of countering the very hot temperatures in Kitakyushu.

Assistant referee Luke Pearce with a bag of ice on his head
Countering the heat – Getty Images

07:08 AM BST

Today’s fixtures

Maori All Blacks 26-29 Scotland FT

Japan 7-19 Wales HT

New Zealand vs France 8.05am

Waratahs vs British and Irish Lions 11am

South Africa vs Italy 4.10pm

Georgia vs Ireland 6pm

Argentina vs England 8.40pm

So much international rugby to get stuck into today. You will be able to enjoy plenty of our live blogs through the day, including New Zealand vs France, Waratahs vs British and Irish Lions and Argentina vs England to finish the day.

07:06 AM BST

Elsewhere…

It was late, late, late drama in Whangarei, as Scotland just held on – past 85 minutes – to keep a resurgent Maori All Blacks out. It finished Maori All Blacks 26-29 Scotland.

The hosts were hammering on the door, with several late lineouts. Cameron Henderson took a yellow card for collapsing a maul, and gave away another penalty the very next set-piece. But they managed to snaffle ball in the end and see it out. 

Both sides scored four tries apiece, but it was one Adam Hastings penalty that made the difference. Touch and go, but a win on tour.

07:04 AM BST

HT verdict

The last time Wales won an international – October, 2023 – the Gallagher brothers were still not talking. Now, the morning after Oasis played their comeback gig in the Principality Stadium, the outfit who usually play in that Cardiff citadel are at least trying to rejoiced in some of their old tunes, albeit in a scrappy encounter, half the world away in Japan. At 19-7, it is far from convincing at half-time, but can the Dragons faithful believe that after 17 straight Test losses, the worst run in the 149-year existence of the red shirts is about to end? It’s stupidly hot, humid and Wales are struggling with having to roll with it, but it could be time for the nation to stop crying their hearts out. Not yet definitely. But maybe.

07:01 AM BST

Half time

That is it from a very long first half that has just ticked past the hour mark due to a serious injury, TMO checks and a water break. Wales lead by 12 points at the break as they seek to end their 17-match losing run.

06:59 AM BST

39 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Japan are awarded a penalty just inside their own half as Wales are caught not releasing at the breakdown. Japan kick just into the Welsh 22 as we tick into the final 90 seconds of the half.

However their momentum is stopped as Macleod wins Wales a penalty at the breakdown.

06:57 AM BST

37 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

After Wales are forced back in possession, Costelow attempts a long-distance drop goal from over 40 metres out that nearly has the distance but not quite.

06:55 AM BST

36 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

There have been plenty of handling errors from both sides in this first half. I know it is hot, thus the ball is greasy, but these are international players.

06:53 AM BST

34 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Wales have a scrum on halfway after a Japan knock-on and Faletau takes so long to use it at the base of the scrum that the referee blows his whistle and gives Japan the scrum. The referee did warn Faletau and told him to use it.

06:50 AM BST

32 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

B Thomas picks a kick ahead for Wales on halfway but the Welsh are pinged for offside so Japan have the penalty. They are also restored to 15 men as Nakakusu is back on after his yellow card. Japan kick to the Wales 22 but make a mess of the lineout and Wales can clear their lines.

06:43 AM BST

28 mins: Japan 7 Wales 19

Wales have the put-in at the scrum just outside their own 22 but Japan win the penalty. The hosts are now attacking deep inside the Welsh 22. Japan think they have scored but the referee deems it held up. They do check with the TMO but, with the mass of bodies in there, it is almost impossible to see where the ball is. No try stands as B Thomas holds it up.

06:38 AM BST

TRY! Wales get their third through Rogers

Wales have their third. After Japan kick out on the full from the kick-off and gift Wales a scrum, Faletau picks from the base of the scrum and Wales go right. Simple execution through the hands puts Rogers in down the right touchline and Wales have their third. That does not tell the whole story however as the referee had his arm about to give Japan a penalty at the scrum but then for some unknown reason did not blow his whistle and allowed play to go on. Why did the whistle not go as Japan dominated that scrum.

Costelow misses the conversion.

06:35 AM BST

PENALTY TRY WALES! Nakakusu also shown yellow

Wales put a kick ahead into the Japanese 22 and Adams is fighting for the ball with the new man on the pitch Nakakusu at the Japanese try line. The TMO is checking to see if Nakakusu has deliberately slapped the ball out of Adams’ hands or did Adams just drop it.

The officials decide that it was a deliberate slap-down by Nakakusu. They deem that there was no clear touch from Adams but I think there was. Nakakusu did definitely slap it down but it appeared it came just after the touch on Adams’ fingers. They decide not only is it a yellow card for Nakakusu but also a penalty try.

That seemed clear. As soon as the Japan winger slapped out the ball, he must be taken out of the equation and it is obvious that Josh Adams would have scored. Yellow card, penalty try. Adams has been sharp in this opening quarter, looking far more like the British & Irish Lion of old. The Welsh will be thrilled to see it.

06:29 AM BST

19 mins: Japan 7 Wales 7

Japan have been forced into a change as the try-scorer Matsunaga has been forced off. Nakakusu is on in his place.

06:27 AM BST

18 mins: Japan 7 Wales 7

Tuitama drops a simple high ball on the edge of the Japanese 22, which will gift Wales the scrum. Tuitama should be taking that even though it is a greasy ball. It is time for a three-minute drinks break as both sides escape to the shade.

There was the sense that Wales would have to soak up a lot of pressure in the early stages in the ridiculously hot and humid conditions of western Japan. The hosts are known as fast starters and, although much changed, racked up a few early tries before succumbing against the Maori All Blacks last weekend. But the reverse happened. Following the worrying early injury to lock Ben Carter, Wales dominated the opening 15 minutes, with Taulupe Faletau looking supreme as he put in Ben Thomas. However, Japan hit back with their first attack yielding a try. Johnny Williams was caught wanting in the midfield.

06:24 AM BST

TRY! Matsunaga hits back for Japan

The Japanese fire back! They have been on the back foot so far but get their first try of the game. It originates from a lineout on the Wales 22 and, after a series of perfectly-timed offloads, Ishida makes the break before offloading to full-back Matsunaga, who scores. The conversion is successful and we are all square. That was a brilliantly-executed first-phase move from Japan. Eddie Jones will be pleased.

06:24 AM BST

15 mins: Japan 0 Wales 7

Costelow is scrambling deep inside his 22 to prevent a 50-22 for Japan and just about keeps the ball in play right in the corner before clearing. He would have been panicking for a moment.

06:22 AM BST

14 mins: Japan 0 Wales 7

Wales are attacking on the fringes of the Japan 22 and Costelow tries to pick Adams out on the left wing with a crossfield kick. Adams was in space but Costelow overcooks the kick and it goes into touch.

06:20 AM BST

13 mins: Japan 0 Wales 7

Wales knock on at the lineout and Japan can clear. Wasted opportunity for Wales.

06:20 AM BST

12 mins: Japan 0 Wales 7

The Welsh scrum dominates and they earn themselves a penalty advantage. Faletau drops the ball as he picked up so we go back for the penalty. They kick into the corner for a five-metre lineout…

06:18 AM BST

11 mins: Japan 0 Wales 7

Wales have a penalty advantage on halfway as Japan are punished at the maul. Wales work it all the way from the right to the left wing, where Adams sprints down the touchline and puts a grubber kick ahead. Hardy tries to get on the end of it but Japan gather and carry it behind their line so Wales will have a five-metre scrum. Hardy did not look onside when Adams put the kick ahead but Wales will have the scrum.

06:16 AM BST

9 mins: Japan 0 Wales 7

Wales win a penalty at the breakdown on the Japan 10-metre line and it is captain Lake that wins it for the visitors. Not sure whether he completely released there so that felt slightly harsh on Japan. Wales kick towards the Japan 22 but the hosts steal the lineout and the attacking chance is gone for Wales. Cornelsen was the man to steal the lineout for Japan.

06:12 AM BST

TRY! B Thomas gives Wales early lead

In their quest to end their 17-match losing run, the tourists get the first try of the match! Wales win the lineout and the ball is moved onto Faletau, who offloads at the perfect moment to B Thomas, who goes through the gap a few metres out from the line and scores. The conversion from Costelow is successful and Wales lead.

06:11 AM BST

3 mins: Japan 0 Wales 0

Wales are in possession inside the Japanese half as Adams makes a break inside from his left wing position and offloads inside to his captain Lake, who takes Wales into the Japan 22. Wales then have a penalty advantage, which they cannot take so we go back for it. It would be a simple three but Costelow instead kicks to the corner. The kick is not the best; that should have been five metres out but instead will be more than 10 metres out.

06:04 AM BST

1 min: Japan 0 Wales 0

Play is stopped after just over 20 seconds as Wales lock Carter is down. He has hurt his head after he made contact with a hip as he made the tackle inside the Japan 22. Hats off to the Japanese, who immediately alerted the referee to the stricken Carter. The medical team are taking every precaution to make sure Carter is ok.

Considering the heat, the Welsh starting XV make their way into the shade to stay out of the sun. The Japanese have done the same.

Carter is stretchered and all our best wishes go to him. Ratti replaces Carter. Play will resume with a scrum.

06:01 AM BST

Kick-off

We are under way in Kitakyushu. A reminder we will have a drinks break in each half and an extended half-time break due to the heat.

05:59 AM BST

Teams

Japan starting XV: Takuro Matsunaga; Kippei Ishida, Dylan Riley, Shogo Nakano, Malo Tuitama; Seungsin Lee, Shinobu Fujiwara; Yota Kamimori, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi, Epineri Uluiviti, Warner Deans, Michael Leitch (capt), Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava.

Replacements: Hayate Era, Sena Kimura, Keijiro Tamefusa, Waisake Raratubua, Ben Gunter, Shuntaro Kitamura, Ichigo Nakakusu, Halatoa Vailea.

Wales starting XV: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Ben Carter, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Joe Roberts.

05:56 AM BST

Anthem time

The stands are packed as both sides emerge from the tunnel in the beautiful Kitakyushu sunshine and it is time for the national anthems. “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” followed by “Kimigayo”.

Wales have a special connection to Kitakyushu, with this having been their base during the 2019 World Cup, and the cameras catch sight of a Japanese fan singing the Welsh anthem next to a Welshman.

05:53 AM BST

Matt Sherratt speaking pre-match

“It is hot and humid. The biggest challenge we found this week was a greasy ball. It will affect both sides equally. They have very little ball movement and they carry hard. The key is winning the speed battle. We have mainly been focusing on ourselves this week. This is two teams in a rebuild so it is a case of which team can put their game on the field. 

“We have a good group and staff here who are desperate to win for the people back home. There will be no lack of effort.”

05:50 AM BST

Today’s international fixtures

Maori All Blacks 12-24 Scotland (50’)

Japan vs Wales 6am

New Zealand vs France 8.05am

Waratahs vs British and Irish Lions 11am

South Africa vs Italy 4.10pm

Georgia vs Ireland 6pm

Argentina vs England 8.40pm

05:48 AM BST

Telegraph Rugby Podcast

Go beyond the back pages and join the Telegraph’s rugby experts and big name guests as they tackle the game’s most interesting trends, themes and talking points. Our unrivalled rugby coverage, now available on the move! New episodes out Mondays.

Follow the Rugby Podcast Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

05:45 AM BST

World rugby rankings

  1. South Africa
  2. New Zealand
  3. Ireland
  4. France
  5. Argentina
  6. England
  7. Scotland
  8. Australia
  9. Fiji
  10. Italy
  11. Georgia
  12. Wales
  13. Japan
  14. Samoa
  15. USA

05:43 AM BST

Full Test meetings

Wales 55-5 Japan, Cardiff, 16 October 1993

Wales 57-10 Japan, Bloemfontein, 27 May 1995

Wales 64-15 Japan, Cardiff, 9 October1999

Japan 10-64 Wales, Osaka, 10 June 2001

Japan 30-53 Wales, Tokyo, 17 June 2001

Wales 98-0 Japan, Cardiff, 26 November 2004

Wales 72-18 Japan, Cardiff, 20 September 2007

Japan 18-22 Wales, Osaka, 8 June 2013

Japan 23-8 Wales, Tokyo, 15 June 2013

Wales 33-30 Japan, Cardiff, 19 November 2016

05:41 AM BST

Get your fix

05:38 AM BST

Wales gearing up

05:37 AM BST

Japan’s last five results

England 59-14 Japan

Japan 36-20 Uruguay

France 52-12 Japan

Japan 19-64 New Zealand

Fiji 41-17 Japan

05:35 AM BST

Wales’ last five results

2025 Six Nations:

Wales 14-68 England

Scotland 35-29 Wales

Wales 18-27 Ireland

Italy 22-15 Wales

France 43-0 Wales

05:30 AM BST

Japan team news

05:28 AM BST

Wales team news

05:24 AM BST

Will Wales end their horror run?

Wales kick off their summer tour in Kitakyushu as they take on Eddie Jones’ Japan in the first of two Test matches between the nations. Wales are currently on a 17-match losing run, dating back to October 2023. That losing run has seen Wales drop to 12th in the world rankings, just the one place above their opponents. Matt Sherratt is still in interim charge following the departure of Warren Gatland during the Six Nations earlier this year. Sherratt’s coaching staff for the tour includes Cardiff defence coach Gethin Jenkins, Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson and his assistant Adam Jones as well as Glouester’s T. Rhys Thomas.

Their last game came in the final match of the Six Nations where they were dispatched 68-14 at home by England. Speaking ahead of the match, Wales back-row Aaron Wainwright, who is on the bench today, has admitted the Welsh fans deserve a victory after a horror run of results.

“It is massive. The Welsh public deserve it. All the Welsh fans that are going to be out here and back home deserve it. Our minds are fully set on bringing home not just one, but two wins from this tour. We want to bring that pride back to Welsh rugby fans and public.”

Wales have a special connection to the city of Kitakyushu; it was the training base for Warren Gatland’s side during the 2019 World Cup. Wainwright is one of four Wales players in the current 33-man squad who were here in 2019 and is happy to return.

A view inside the stadium in Kitakyushu
Today is the first of two Tests between the nations – Getty Images

“It is good to come back and take more in than maybe I did in 2019. We had a big welcome when we arrived and a few of the boys were quite taken aback because it was probably something they had not experienced before.

“I was trying to explain what it was like in 2019 and how big that World Cup was here. We went for a team walk and we had some of the guys coming up to a few of the boys and asking for photos and autographs. It shows how much support we have here and a lot of that comes from the World Cup.”

Wales had just two players named on the British and Irish Lions tour; Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, although the latter has been ruled out of the tour due to a hamstring injury. Dewi Lakes captains the side on this tour.

Japan have not played since last year when they lost 59-14 against England at Allianz Stadium. A Japan XV lost 20-53 to Maori All Blacks in Tokyo a week ago. Veteran Michael Leitch will captain Eddie Jones’ side; he has 87 caps to his name and is the only player in the Japan squad to have more than 50 caps.

These sides last met back in November 2016, when Wales won 33-30 in Cardiff. Wales have lost just once to Japan, whose sole victory came in 2013 during Eddie Jones’ first tenure in charge of Japan as they won 23-8 in Tokyo. Today is the first of two Tests between the sides, with the second match coming in Kobe in a week’s time. Kick-off from Kitakyushu is at 6am BST.

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