Wales survive a late Japan response
Wales defeated Japan 28-21 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on November 7, claiming their first Northern Series victory. Josh Adams scored twice, while Archie Griffin and Louis Rees-Zammit also crossed for the hosts.
Japan kept the contest close. Ben Gunter and Warner Dearns scored before the interval, and Kenta Fukuda added a late try after an offload from Opeti Helu. Adams then won a breakdown penalty in the final minute to end Japan’s chance of an equaliser.
Rees-Zammit provides the attacking spark
Griffin’s opening score was his first international try. After Japan twice responded to Welsh scores, Rees-Zammit’s try gave Wales a 21-14 half-time lead. Adams’ second try and the conversion extended the advantage to 14 points before Japan’s late reply.
Rees-Zammit was named Player of the Match. The official report records 121 metres, 13 defenders beaten and five line breaks for the wing, the leading figures in all three measures.
New Zealand and Australia next
Wales next face New Zealand and Australia over the coming fortnight. Saturday’s win gives them a positive start to that run of Northern Series matches.
