Wales look to show top-six credentials in Japan
Wales’ women aim to demonstrate they can challenge for a place in rugby’s top six when they play Japan in Tokyo on Saturday. The two-Test tour is part of head coach Sean Lynn’s longer-term plan towards the 2029 World Cup, while also building momentum for the Six Nations.
Wales are ranked 11th, and the loser of Saturday’s match will fall to 13th. They arrive after a heavy win over South Africa and a 26-24 loss to the USA; Japan have lost to Italy and Ireland. Wales have restored the half-back pairing of Seren Lockwood and Keira Bevan, and Nel Metcalfe returns from injury. Japan’s maul is a key threat, while co-captain Alex Callender is set to earn her 50th cap.
In short
- Wales want to prove they can reach rugby’s top six.
- Saturday’s loser will drop from 11th to 13th in the rankings.
- Japan’s strong maul is a key challenge for Wales.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Wales can use this match to show that their recent progress is translating into consistency against a side close to them in the rankings. A win would strengthen confidence in the squad and support Lynn’s longer-term plans for the 2029 World Cup and the next Six Nations, while testing how well the restored half-backs and returning Metcalfe fit into the team.
The case against
One result in a tour match cannot establish that Wales belong among the top six, particularly after a mixed run of a heavy win and a narrow defeat. With the loser falling to 13th and Japan posing a threat at the maul, Wales may be better served by focusing on performance and learning for the future rather than treating this match as a definitive test of their standing.
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