Wales secured a 17-0 victory over Japan in challenging Tokyo conditions to claim their second WXV win. Ranked 11th and 12th globally, both sides struggled with swirling wind, rain and humidity in a scrappy opening half.
Scrum-half Seren Lockwood broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, sniping from a driving lineout after Freya Bell carried close to the line. Bell converted for a 7-0 half-time lead but was later stretchered off with a serious knee injury.
Wales' bench made the difference. Kelsey Jones powered over from a lineout maul on 65 minutes, and Lockwood finished a fine backline move three minutes from time for her second try. Japan's indiscipline cost them, with flanker Nami Asari sin-binned early and replacement Nami Yoshida yellow-carded late.
Despite handling errors and wayward kicks, Wales recorded their first clean sheet since beating Hong Kong 65-0 in November 2018. The sides meet again in Kumagaya City on 31 October.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing