Wales resumed their Nations Championship campaign with an unconvincing bonus-point victory against Japan at the Principality Stadium. Tries from prop Archie Griffin, wing Josh Adams, and rejuvenated wing Louis Rees-Zammit gave Wales a 21-14 half-time lead, with Japan responding through flanker Ben Gunter and lock Warner Dearns. In a nervy second half, Adams scored his second try before Japan replacement Kenta Fukuda ensured the visitors finished with a losing bonus point.
Wales secured a fourth win for head coach Steve Tandy in 13 internationals and provided another narrow victory against Eddie Jones' Japan. Wales were indebted to strong ball-carrying performances from player-of-the-match Rees-Zammit, full-back Blair Murray, and back-row duo Morgan and Wainwright. However, Tandy should be concerned about a malfunctioning line-out with six lost, indiscipline, and handling errors.
Wales and Japan have been frequent opponents, marking the fourth meeting in 16 months. Tandy named a record nine English-based club players in his starting side. Louis Rees-Zammit, returning to his favoured wing, lifted the crowd with a searing early break.
It laid the foundations for Lake to power towards the line before Griffin scored his first Test try. Japan were not finished, and a flowing move finished by replacement scrum-half Fukuda brought the visitors a losing bonus point.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing