Wales introduced their document 18-match shedding streak to an finish with a 31-22 victory over Japan within the second Check at Misaki Park Stadium on Saturday, holding on for a win after one other nervy efficiency.
The guests outscored Japan 4 tries to 3 to register their first success in 644 days, because the final World Cup in 2023, and sq. the two-test sequence 1-1 after shedding 24-19 in Kitakyushu final weekend.
Welsh aid was palpable as they once more began the sport effectively however in contrast to final Saturday held onto their halftime lead, regardless of being underneath a lot strain within the second half.
Kieran Hardy scored two tries and Josh Adams and Dan Edwards the opposite two whereas Edwards kicked over a penalty and three conversions.
Shuhei Takeuchi, Warner Dearns and Dylan Riley have been Japan’s attempt scorers with Lee Seungsin placing over a penalty and two conversions.
Wales went forward within the ninth minute as they received a turnover in midfield after which unfold the ball out huge, with Ben Thomas slicing inside to launch Blair Murray, who gained floor earlier than placing Adams over for a attempt.
The flying winger ought to have had a second attempt 13 minutes later as Aaron Wainwright hacked the ball ahead and Adams outsprinted the defence just for the ball to spill out of his arms as he tried to go over the attempt line.
However Hardy didn’t take lengthy to extend Wales’ lead, darting over within the twenty seventh minute because the guests hammered away on the Japan line from a lineout maul.
Adams and Hardy then mixed as Wales outran the house defence to attain a 3rd attempt earlier than half-time, making the most of Japan being down a person after Faulua Makisi was yellow carded.
With Wales additionally dominating the set items, a pissed off Japan coach Eddie Jones modified his complete entrance row 5 minutes earlier than half-time and it delivered nearly rapid outcomes.
Shuhei Takeuchi got here on instantly at tight-head prop to win a scrum penalty after which energy over from shut vary after a intelligent line out transfer to cut back the rating to 21-10 at halftime.
Edwards put over a protracted vary penalty to increase the Welsh lead within the second half however a cost down led to Japan’s second attempt after 58 minutes from large lock Warner Dearns.
With a nervy Wales making repeated errors, Japan lower the result in two factors within the 62nd minute when a excessive move to fly-half Edwards noticed him unable to carry onto the ball, and Japan centre Riley snatched up the prospect to run nearly a half of the pitch to attain between the poles.
However within the final 10 minutes Wales have been capable of assert themselves once more and Edwards completed off an expansive passing transfer to verify of victory, greeted with a lot aid on the closing whistle.
