Wales secured a comfortable 29-5 win over Japan in Kumagaya City to complete a WXV Global Series double over the Sakura Fifteen. The victory gives Wales three wins from four matches in the competition, their only defeat coming against the USA.
Wing Nel Metcalfe and Japan hooker Moe Nagaoka exchanged tries in the opening 15 minutes. Hooker Kelsey Jones and wing Amy Williams added further scores before half-time, with Williams crossing again after the break. Prop Sisilia Tuipulotu also touched down as Wales earned a try bonus point.
Wales were reduced to 13 players in the final 10 minutes when replacements Keira Bevan and Hannah Dallavalle received yellow cards, but the visitors held firm defensively to keep Japan scoreless in the closing stages.
Transformation under Sean Lynn
The result marks a remarkable turnaround for Sean Lynn's side, who had gone nine Tests without a win prior to the South Africa match earlier in the series. Japan, meanwhile, are still searching for their first victory since May and a first under head coach Toshizumi Kitagawa.
Co-captain praises defensive grit
Wales co-captain Kate Williams said: "We played some exciting attacking rugby, especially in that first-half to get a few of our tries. I'm really proud of the set piece as well. I think what slowed down our momentum was our discipline and we let Japan back into the game a little bit in that second-half. But really proud of the defensive effort that we showed, especially with those two yellow cards. There was some real grit and determination behind that."
Wales' dominant maul and improved set-piece were key factors, while Japan's indiscipline cost them a yellow card for Jennifer Nduka in the second half. The match was refereed by Julianne Zussman.
