# Why Wales have a lot to prove despite beating Japan

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/why-wales-have-a-lot-to-prove-despite-beating-japan/
- Published: 2026-11-08T10:13:56+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T11:26:44+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cx98z74gg69mo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Asia, Sport, UK, World

## Key points

- Wales beat Japan 28-21 but delivered a patchy performance.
- Rees-Zammit stood out with a try and five line-breaks.
- New Zealand and Australia are next at the Principality Stadium.

## Summary

Wales began their Nations Championship campaign with a 28-21 win over Japan in Cardiff, but the performance was hesitant and fell short of the statement the team wanted to make. With New Zealand and Australia due to visit over the next two weekends, the result offers limited reassurance ahead of tougher tests.

Louis Rees-Zammit was the standout, scoring his first international try in eight matches and making five of Wales’ 16 line-breaks, 121 metres and 13 defenders beaten. Wales also had strong contributions from Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright, Blair Murray and Josh Adams, but spent long periods defending: they made 227 tackles to Japan’s 115, had 40% of possession and territory, and lost six line-outs. The win was Wales’ fourth in 13 internationals under Steve Tandy, following a record 18-Test losing run between 2023 and 2025.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.