Japan stormed again within the second half to beat Wales 24-19 on Kyushu Island on Saturday, extending the guests’ file dropping streak to 18 Check matches.
Japan have been 19-7 down on the break earlier than two second half tries noticed them come again to overtake the deficit.
Either side scored three tries in an error-strewn conflict on the Mikuni World Stadium, the place Wales have been hoping to finish 18 months of distress, having final received a match on the 2023 Rugby World Cup towards Georgia.
They appeared to be nicely on track to interrupt their drought on the break however fell aside within the second half as Japan rallied for the slender victory.
Japan fullback Takuro Matsunaga scored within the first half, whereas his alternative Ichigo Nakakusu and fellow substitute Halatoa Vailea went over for 2 extra tries.
All have been transformed by Lee Seungsin, who additionally kicked a penalty.
The vacationers’ factors got here within the first half, with Ben Thomas and Tom Rogers going over, and Wales additionally awarded a penalty strive. Sam Costelow kicked only one conversion.
Welsh rugby is looking for to rebuild after plunging to a brand new low in a 68-14 defeat to England of their last Six Nations recreation in March, however the loss in Japan is an extra blow. They’ll now drop to 14th on the earth rankings.
– Full fixture record for Lions tour of Australia
– All the things you have to learn about summer time Lions tour