Wales survived a spirited second-half fightback from Japan in their Nations Championship match with a hard-earned 28–21 victory, outscoring the visitors four tries to three.

First Half — Wales strike early and often Wales could hardly have asked for a better start. Just three minutes in, Tomos Williams sniped from the base and sent prop Archie Griffin over from close range, with Sam Costelow converting. Japan hit back almost immediately — great attack finished by Ben Gunter, converted by Naoto Saito — but Wales' backs then took over. Josh Adams scored on 27 minutes, and on 37 minutes a brilliant Blair Murray break and offload sent Louis Rees-Zammit through a gap for the bonus-point-sealing fourth Welsh try before half-time. Costelow converted all three of his attempts for a flawless 9-point haul. In between, Japan's Warner Dearns barged over from close range to keep the contest alive at 21–14.

Second Half — Japan throws everything, Wales holds firm  The game flipped on its head after the break. Japan enjoyed 62% possession and threw 137 rucks at the Welsh defence, but could only break through once — Kenta Fukuda finishing after some great attack converted by Shinya Komura on 75 minutes. Wales' defence soaked up wave after wave (237 tackles at 82% success) and then delivered the killer blow: on 68 minutes, Tomos Williams and Blair Murray carved through the line and Adams crossed for his second of the match, converted by replacement Dan Edwards. 

 

Best 3 Attackers (from the match stats)

Best 3 Defenders (from the match stats)

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How Wales Attacked