Wales fell to yet another Test defeat in scorching conditions in Kitakyushu
Wales’ losing run at Test level stretched to 18 matches as they collapsed in the heat against Japan in Kitakyushu.
In difficult conditions that probably didn’t translate on the TV, Wales crumbled as they failed to score in the second half.
Here’s how the players rated…
Blair Murray – 6
Little chance with ball in hand, but when he first got one, he beat two men in a phone box. Few other moments of fleet-footedness, but not a game made for the full-back.
Tom Rogers – 5
Took his try well. Good in the air. Will be disappointed to have fallen off the tackle for Japan’s second.
Johnny Williams – 4
First start for Wales in the 13 jersey after nearly two years away from Test rugby. Caught narrow too often, including for both Japan tries.
Ben Thomas – 5
Nice line for the opening score. Kicking game worked in the first half to keep Wales’ tackles down, but maybe became a bit of a crutch as the match went on.
Josh Adams – 6
First touch saw him cut back inside to space for a half-break. The sort of opportunities that haven’t been coming his way at Test level for a while. Strong under the high ball too.
Sam Costelow – 4
Tends to be a player who attracts a lot of criticism, as most Welsh 10s do. Was solid for the most part, but Wales clearly relied too heavily on the boot in these conditions.
Kieran Hardy – 5
Smart kick over the top for the penalty try, while some other kicks were on the money. Became over-reliant on the boot and was a little loose around the edges of the breakdown.
Nicky Smith – 5
Mixed day at the scrum. Wales were on top early on, but Japan seemed to grow in that area of the game. Important breakdown penalty just before he was replaced after 50 minutes.
Dewi Lake – 6
Couple of early lineouts narrowly evaded their target, but that was more to do with greasy ball than bad throw. The captain largely fixed that, chucked himself into everything and carried well when asked.
One breakdown penalty in particular felt like a level above most things in this match, in terms of quality.
Keiron Assiratti – 4
Few issues at the scrum after a strong start.
Ben Carter – N/A
After waiting a year to pull on the Welsh jersey again, it’s such a shame his return to Test rugby lasted just seconds. The main priority is that the injury hopefully isn’t too serious.
Teddy Williams – 5
Got around the park well. Not too much else to say.
Alex Mann – 5
Tackled everything to begin with. Penalties crept up as he was asked to go the full 80. Emptied the tank though in a losing effort
Josh Macleod – 5
Waited a long time for this. Tackled like a man who has been eager for a Test recall for three years. Some good breakdown work, including one penalty late in the first half.
Perhaps a bit overeager at times in the second-half, with one offload nearly gifting Japan a try.
Taulupe Faletau – 7
Deft pass at the line for the opener. What you expect from Faletau. Also made Rogers’ score. Some lovely handling skills when others were struggling with the bar of soap. Still so classy.
The few moments of genuine quality tended to involve him. Hopefully the knock he took before coming off isn’t too serious.
Replacements
Liam Belcher – 4
Made his Wales debut with 12 minutes to go and the game still in the balance. Immediately found himself behind on the scoreboard. Arrows off target, unfortunately.
Gareth Thomas – 4
Scrum continued to struggle when he came on.
Archie Griffin – 4
Was sent skywards in one scrum.
James Ratti – 5
Thrust into the game much earlier than expected. Solid enough.
Aaron Wainwright – 5
Brought energy, but little chance to make an impact.
Tommy Reffell – 5
No real sniffs at the breakdown as Japan finished the stronger side.
Rhodri Williams – N/A
Didn’t get on.
Joe Roberts – 5
Some decent cover tackles as the game got loose, but no time to impress.
