Wales secured a heart-stopping 24-23 victory over Japan at the Principality Stadium in dramatic fashion.
The Red Dragons desperately needed this victory to salvage their autumn campaign. Dan Edwards opened the scoring with an early try after questionable Japanese defending.
Japan exploded into life following their slow start, responding with renewed energy. Kippei Ishida finished a brilliantly-constructed team try in the 15th minute to level the score.
The Brave Blossoms’ kicking game showed significant improvement from previous performances this series. Both teams struggled with discipline as yellow cards disrupted the flow consistently.
Epineri Uluiviti received a sin-bin for tackling a player without the ball. Seungsin Lee missed a penalty opportunity to give Japan their first lead.
Faulua Makisi’s sin-bin reduced Japan to 13 players temporarily before half-time. Josh Adams joined the parade to the sin-bin for an illegal clean-out.
Officials upgraded Adams’ yellow card to red during the interval. Japan controlled the tempo despite failing to capitalise on numerous scoring opportunities.
Lee finally succeeded with his third penalty attempt in the 43rd minute. Japan led 7-10 as Wales struggled to contain their quick ruck ball.
Louis Rees-Zammit restored Wales’ advantage in the 51st minute after patient build-up play. The wing finished clinically after Welsh forwards effectively drew in Japanese defenders.
Lee responded immediately with another penalty to narrow the gap to 14-13. Makisi powered over for Japan’s second try in the 60th minute following sustained pressure.
Wales initially stopped Japan’s driving maul before the Brave Blossoms showed patience. Makisi eventually crashed over to give Japan a 14-20 advantage.
Nick Tompkins struck back immediately for Wales with a well-taken try. Dan Edwards’ conversion gave Wales a 21-20 lead in this see-saw encounter.
Lee’s penalty restored Japan’s advantage at 23-21 with four minutes remaining. Wales desperately threw everything at the Brave Blossoms in the closing stages.
Harry Hockings received a yellow card with four seconds remaining, giving Wales hope. The hosts drove a maul 20 metres before earning a crucial penalty.
Jarrod Evans stepped up with time expired to slot the winning kick. Wales celebrated wildly whilst Japan’s players were heartbroken after their brave performance.
This was truly a wonderful game for te neutral spectator.
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