Japan fightback condemns Wales to 18th loss in a row

Eddie Jones’ Japan produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Wales 24-19 as the visitors wilted in the Kitakyushu heat.

Under-pressure Eddie Jones, who was in charge of the Brave Blossoms for their solitary win over Wales in 2013, inspired his charges at half-time and they looked a reinvogarted side after the break.

Jones said this goal for 2025 was for Japan to win against a Tier one nation and they achiveed that realistic feat in their first Test of the season to condemn Wales to their 18^th consecutive loss.

Japan’s last win over a Tier 1 nation was against Scotland at the 2019 World Cup under Jamie Joseph and their only win over Wales was in 2013.

Wales arrived in Fukuoka on a 637-day winless run that dates back to their win over Georgia at the World Cup in October 2023.

The visitors were dealt a blow just 30 seconds into the contest when lock Ben Carter suffered a head injury after a heavy collision and was stretchered off to be replaced by James Ratti.

Despite a two-year losing run, interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt’s side made a confident start and opened the scoring after four minutes.

A strong carry from Taulupe Faletau enabled him to find his Cardiff teammate Ben Thomas on his inside and he strolled over from 10 metres. Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow slotted the conversion.

Japan fought back and made first entry into Wales’ 22 count when Yokohama wing Kippei Ishida jinked his way into space and found Toshiba full-back Takuro Matsunaga who surged over the line.  

Black Rams’ debutant Ichigo Nakakusu, who had only been only the field for two minutes, deliberatly knocked the ball out of the Japanese in-goal area while under pressure from Wales wing Josh Adams.

After a lengthy TMO review, Nakakusu received a yellow card and Wales were awarded a penalty try to restore their seven point advantage.

Wales made their numerical advantage count on the 24 minute mark when they scored their third try as Scarlets wing Tom Rogers outpaced Malo Tuitama.

Faletau punished Japan after picking up the ball from the base of the scrum and the visitors released in-form Rogers who extended their gap to 12 points.

After a stop-start first 40 minutes which saw Japan starved of possession and territory both teams were eager for the break with the hosts trailing 7-19.  

Japan showed more intent at the start of the second half but Wales’ defence held firm.  

Vastly-experienced Welsh back rowers Tommy Reffell and Aaron Wainwright were introduced for Taulupe Faletau and Josh Macleod.

After the second and final water break, Nakakusu redeemed himself by finishing a cutting Japan move on the hour mark.

Lee added the extra two points to cut the deficit to five points.  

Japan looked full of belief and endeavour with the alarm bells ringing for under-pressure Wales.  

They resolute defence finally creaked and replacement Ben Gunter charged over in the corner but the score was disallowed due to a forward pass in the build-up but the hosts still had a penalty advantage.  

Kobe centre Lee, who didn’t play a single club game in the 10 jersey he wears for his country, cooly kicked a penalty to reduce Wales’ evaporating lead to a mere two points.  

With 65 minutes on the clock, Japan upped the tempo with Wales beginning to look lethargic as the intense heat appeared to be taking its toll.

Kubota Spears wing Halatoa Vailea made a strong impression having replaced Tuitama and he marked his debut by crossing for an opportunistic score to put the hosts ahead for the first time. Lee kicked the conversion to put Japan ahead 24-19 with eight minutes remaining.

Japan’s second half domination was a stark contrast to the first 40 but Wales let them back into the game and the Brave Blossoms attacking intent merited their comeback.

The hosts were spurred on by a vocal crowd who energised the Brave Blossoms with the visitors running out of ideas and faltering time and time again at the line-out.

Japan comfortably held on to secure a a deserved 24-19 win, their second against Japan, to the delight of Eddie Jones.

Wales captain Dewi Lake said: “We’re gutted, we had moments to win that game and to put it to bed. It’s very tough to take.”