Adams scores twice as Wales hold off Japan for bonus-point win

Nation.Cymru staff

Wales survived a late Japan fightback to claim a 28-21 bonus-point victory in Cardiff and secure their fourth win under Steve Tandy.

Josh Adams scored twice, with Archie Griffin and Louis Rees-Zammit also crossing as Wales earned their second victory from four Nations Championship matches.

But Japan repeatedly tested the hosts and Kenta Fukuda’s late try left Wales defending a seven-point lead before the final whistle brought relief.

With New Zealand and Australia awaiting over the next fortnight, Wales have a victory to build on, although the performance left plenty to address before those tougher assignments.

Griffin put Wales ahead with the opening try, but Ben Gunter responded for Japan to help bring the visitors level.

Adams restored the home side’s advantage before Warner Dearns crossed as Japan again drew level.

Rees-Zammit’s try finally gave Wales some breathing space, sending them into half-time with a 21-14 lead after Sam Costelow converted all three first-half scores.

The Bristol wing was named player of the match, continuing his strong start to the season with another try and a busy display that included plenty of carries. All three members of Wales’ back three made telling contributions.

Adams claimed his second try after the interval to secure the bonus point, with replacement Dan Edwards adding the conversion to extend the lead to 28-14.

Japan refused to let the game drift away, however. Fukuda’s late score, converted by Shinya Komura, brought them back within a converted try and ensured an uncomfortable finish for the hosts.

Naoto Saito had converted Japan’s two earlier tries.

Wales held out to record a second victory over Japan during Tandy’s 13 matches in charge, but were unable to turn their 14-point advantage into a comfortable finish.

Both teams began the match fifth in their respective Nations Championship standings, with Wales ranked 10th in the world and Japan two places below them.

Attention now turns to New Zealand, who will present a much sterner examination of Wales’ progress.