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Test torment over for Wales
AP • July 12th, 2025 9:16 pm
Josh Adams starred for Wales | Photo: AP
Wales have finally won a rugby Test and snapped an 18-match international losing streak, holding off Japan 31-22.
The Welsh looked like they were going to blow it again when their 24-10 lead was cut to 24-22 by Japan with 17 minutes remaining on Saturday.
But Wales used a Josh Macleod ruck turnover to get back into the Japan 22 and pressure and desperation earned a 74th-minute try for flyhalf Dan Edwards. The first-time Test starter converted his try and was a perfect five-for-five off the tee.
The nine-point margin and sterling defence in sweltering heat were finally enough to get Wales to fulltime.
"We knew it was 18 successive defeats but this is a young group and there's a lot more to come from us," Edwards told S4C channel.
"It was amazing to score. I was just glad to catch the ball!. I'm just so glad we won."
Wales had gone 644 days since their last win in October 2023 against Georgia at the Rugby World Cup. Their losing run left them tied with France's losing streak from 1911-20 as the longest by a major team in Test rugby history.
Winger Josh Adams was a standout for Wales, scoring the opening try and setting up the second of a first-half double for scrumhalf Kieran Hardy before being replaced at halftime.
Hardy scored in the 27th minute and again in the 35th, while Japan No.8 Faulua Makisi was in the sin bin, as Wales opened a 21-3 lead.
But with Makisi back and a new front row on, Japan struck just before halftime with a try to replacement tighthead Shuhei Takeuchi.
A 40m Edwards penalty after the break made it 24-10 then Japan came roaring back.
Lock Warner Dearns scored at the end of a long attack started by his chargedown, and centre Dylan Riley scooped a dropped overhead catch by Edwards and ran from halfway to score between the posts.
But Macleod's turnover started a last resurgence and the Welsh prevailed.
They looked spent and clung to each other in celebration.
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