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Agence France-Presse

Associated Press

Eddie Jones’ Japan extended Wales’ record losing streak to 18 games after winning the first of their two Tests 24-19 on Saturday thanks to a furious second-half fightback.
First-half tries from Ben Thomas, Tom Rogers and a penalty try looked to have put Wales in control in hot and humid Kitakyushu until Japan scored twice in the second half to snatch the win.
This was Japan’s second win over Wales, the previous time being in 2013.
“We lost out to them in the first half but our DNA is to play high-tempo rugby,” said Japan fly-half Lee Seungsin.
“We haven’t been able to beat any of the top 10 teams in the world for a few years now, so we’re happy. More than anything, it gives us confidence.”
Wales’ last victory came against Georgia at the World Cup in October 2023, and their losing streak is a record for a Tier One country in the professional era.

Their previous match had ended in a humiliating 68-14 thrashing by England in Cardiff during the Six Nations.
Wales’ nightmare run also means it will fall behind Japan in the Test rankings for the first time since the rankings were introduced two decades ago.
The teams meet again next weekend in Kobe.
With the temperature a steamy 31 degrees at kick-off, ball handling was difficult.
Wales were dealt an immediate blow when Ben Carter went down in the first minute following a heavy headfirst collision.
The 24-year-old, who was returning to the team after missing the Six Nations through injury, lay prone on the ground for several minutes before being stretchered off and replaced by James Ratti.
Wales opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Thomas going over after Taulupe Faletau had punched a hole in the Japanese defence from a line-out.

Japan fought their way back into the game and levelled when Takuro Matsunaga finished off a flowing move with a try in the 16th minute.
Matsunaga went off injured soon after and was replaced by debutant Ichigo Nakakusu, one of six uncapped players on the Japanese bench.
Nakakusu was given a harsh introduction to international rugby when he gave away a penalty try just minutes after coming on, swatting the ball away from Josh Adams with the Wales winger in a try-scoring position.
Nakakusu was also sin-binned for his troubles, and Wales took advantage of their temporary numerical advantage when Rogers ran in their third try.
Japan were denied a try for a knock-on early in the second half, but Nakakusu crossed the line in the 59th minute to bring the home team right back into it.
Lee kicked a penalty to close the gap to just two points before debutant substitute Halatoa Vailea put Japan in front with nine minutes to go.
“We just allowed Japan to play their game in the second half, and they’re tough to stop when they’re playing at speed,” Wales captain Dewi Lake said.
“Conditions are going to play a factor but we’re not blaming that. We weren’t clinical enough. The weather was a factor but we’ll look at ourselves first.”


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Japan extend Wales’ losing streak to 18 Tests with tight win in boiling conditions

Japan players celebrate their victory in the rugby Test against Wales at the Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu in Kitakyushu on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Ben Thomas, who scored a try for Wales, takes on Japan fly-half Lee Seungsin. Photo: Getty Images

Tom Rogers fends off Japan’s Malo Tuitama to score Wales’ third try. Photo: Getty Images

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Hong Kong captain Josh Hrstich fends off the attention of a South Korea player at Incheon Namdong Asia Rugby Stadium. Photo: HKCR

Paul Altier works his way through the South Korea defence. Photo: HKCR

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Sport

Rugby

The home team’s second-ever win over the Welshmen will see Eddie Jones’ men overtake them in the Test rankings for the first time


The home team’s second-ever win over the Welshmen will see Eddie Jones’ men overtake them in the Test rankings for the first time.


Ben Thompson

Japan extend Wales’ losing streak to 18 Tests with tight win in boiling conditions

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The home team’s second-ever win over the Welshmen will see Eddie Jones’ men overtake them in the Test rankings for the first time

The home team’s second-ever win over the Welshmen will see Eddie Jones’ men overtake them in the Test rankings for the first time