What changed
Wales beat Japan 28-21 in Cardiff to claim a bonus-point win in the Nations Championship, scoring four tries through Josh Adams, Archie Griffin and Louis Rees-Zammit. Captain Dewi Lake and head coach Steve Tandy both said Wales’ performance fell below expectations.
Why it matters
The win matters because Wales have not collected enough of them: it was only their fourth victory in Tandy’s 13 Tests, following an 18-match losing streak. Wales now have two wins from four matches and remain fifth in the northern hemisphere table.
But the scoreline flatters their control of the afternoon. Japan missed three scoring chances, while Wales were more effective when they entered the scoring area. Eddie Jones called it a missed opportunity, and his team’s next test comes against England at Twickenham.
Wales face a much steeper examination next Saturday when New Zealand visit Cardiff. Australia then arrive at the Principality Stadium on 21 November. Lake’s blunt assessment is the useful warning: confidence has returned, but the performance still needs work.
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