Wales edge Japan 28-21 in Nations Championship after late Adams try and ruck penalty

In a thrilling Nations Championship rugby match, Wales edged out Japan 28-21 on Saturday. Winger Josh Adams scored the decisive try in the 69th minute, followed by a last-minute ruck penalty to secure the win for Wales. Wales coach Steve Tandy expressed disappointment, stating, "We did expect more of a full performance from ourselves.

Japan did a really good job and put a lot of pressure on us." Wales had five lineouts and lost possession of hard-earned territory, while Japan capitalized on these mistakes to maintain their position until the final whistle. Debutant flyhalf Riku Kitahara and rookie replacement Shinya Komura played significant roles for Japan. With this victory, New Pacific Nations Cup champion Japan will face England next weekend, while Wales, currently at 2-2 after a July win over Fiji, will host New Zealand.

The defeat highlights how far Wales has fallen compared to their previous successes, including a record 18-test losing streak in 2019 and a last-minute win over Fiji in July that ended that streak and marked their first home victory in over two years.