Wales edge Japan for bonus-point win but leave questions before All Blacks test

Wales beat Japan 28-21 in Cardiff to claim a bonus point in the Nations Championship, but a jittery performance left Steve Tandy’s side with work to do before next weekend’s match against New Zealand.

Archie Griffin, Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit scored first-half tries as Wales led 21-14 at the break. Adams added his second after half-time to secure the bonus point, before Japan replacement Kenta Fukuda scored to set up a tense finish. Wales held on, with Adams winning a late turnover penalty.

The result was Wales’ fourth win in 13 internationals under head coach Tandy. Rees-Zammit, back on the wing, was named player of the match and scored his first try in eight internationals. Centre Eddie James and full-back Blair Murray also impressed, according to BBC Sport.

But Wales lost six line-outs and repeatedly gave Japan opportunities through handling errors and penalties. The visitors had already beaten Italy in the tournament and kept the hosts under pressure until the final moments.

Wales began the competition with a win over Fiji and defeats by Argentina and South Africa. They remain fifth in the northern hemisphere table and host New Zealand next Saturday, before playing Australia. Japan travel to face England and Scotland.