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Adams’ brace helps Wales beat Japan despite unconvincing display
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
The match report adds that Wales’ poor lineout and lack of physical intensity left coach Steve Tandy with concerns despite a 28-21 bonus-point win over Japan. The result is Wales’ third victory in five Tests, but they will need to improve before hosting New Zealand and Australia over the next two weekends.
Josh Adams scored twice, with Archie Griffin and Louis Rees-Zammit also scoring for Wales, who led 21-14 at half-time. Japan had 62 per cent possession and tries from Ben Gunter, Warner Dearns and Kenta Fukuda, but could not convert that control into more points; Wales lost five of their own lineouts and made errors that wasted promising positions.
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In short
- Wales beat Japan 28-21 despite a scrappy display.
- Adams scored two of Wales’ four tries.
- Wales face New Zealand and Australia next.
How this story developed
- 31 minutes ago The result was presented as evidence of progress after Wales’ 18-match losing run, with Japan’s 62 per cent possession and Wales’ five lost lineouts underlining the uneven performance.
- 41 minutes ago Wales beat Japan 28-21 in Cardiff for a bonus-point Nations Championship win, but their error-strewn display left coach Steve Tandy concerned before home Tests against New Zealand and Australia.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The win gives Wales a needed result after a long losing run and offers evidence that the team can turn chances into points, with Adams scoring twice and Wales securing a bonus point. Beating Japan may help build confidence before more demanding fixtures, while the performance gives coach Steve Tandy specific areas to address.
The case against
The uneven display leaves real doubts about how much progress the result represents: Japan had most of the possession and remained close, while Wales lost five lineouts and made costly errors. Against stronger opponents such as New Zealand and Australia, those weaknesses could be punished, so the win may offer limited reassurance on its own.
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Originally published by CNA as “Adams double lifts lacklustre Wales to 28-21 win over Japan”.