Lakes says Wales won't accept 'mediocrity' after edging Japan

Cardiff: Wales captain Dewi Lake declared that his team will no longer tolerate mediocrity following their narrow 28-21 victory over Japan in the inaugural Nations Championship. The win, courtesy of Josh Adams' brace, marked Wales' second triumph in the tournament after earlier victories over Fiji and Argentina. However, Wales suffered losses to South Africa, leaving them with only a fourth win in 13 Tests since Steve Tandy became head coach last year.

Lake, speaking to S4C, expressed Wales' renewed determination, stating, "We have almost said: we're not accepting mediocrity anymore. We've had enough time together to no longer be a team that's building, improving. At some point, we have to put the foot down and say it's not good enough." This attitude will drive Wales' campaign, including their upcoming match against New Zealand next weekend, where they aim to achieve their first-ever victory over the All Blacks since 1953.