Louis Rees-Zammit's Try Helps Wales Edge Out Japan in Unconvincing Victory
Wales secured a narrow win over Japan with a 28-21 scoreline, despite a series of recent losses and a 18-match losing streak.
In a closely contested match at the Principality Stadium, Wales managed to secure a narrow victory over Japan with a score of 28-21, marking a significant moment for the team after a string of recent setbacks 123.
The match saw Louis Rees-Zammit and Archie Griffin both scoring crucial tries for Wales, contributing to their overall success on the day 13. However, the Welsh team's performance was somewhat unimpressive, with nine English-based club players in their starting lineup, indicating a reliance on local talent 1.
Josh Adams shone particularly brightly, scoring two tries for Wales, which helped solidify their position in the tournament 23. Meanwhile, Japan put up a valiant effort, with Ben Gunter and Warner Dearns also crossing the whitewash, and Kenta Fukuda scoring a late try that nearly altered the outcome of the game 23.
This victory brings Wales closer to their upcoming matches against formidable opponents New Zealand and Australia, where they will be aiming to continue their resurgence 12. In contrast, Japan faces challenges ahead with fixtures against England and Scotland, all set to take place at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham 13.
The attendance at the Principality Stadium was reported to be around 52,425, showcasing the enduring support for the national team despite their recent struggles 1. With Rynnosuke Ito unavailable due to university commitments, Japan fielded Riku Kitahara as their third-choice fly-half, making his debut in the match 1.
Wales' head coach, Steve Tandy, has overseen four wins in thirteen internationals since taking charge, including this latest triumph over Japan 1. This result is part of a broader trend for Wales, who have won three out of their last five Test matches, breaking a lengthy 18-match losing streak following the 2023 World Cup 23.
The next match for Wales is scheduled for November 14, 2026, where they will face New Zealand at the Principality Stadium, while Japan will play against England at the Allianz Stadium on the same day 3.
What we know
- Wales won against Japan with a score of 28-21 123
- The match took place at the Principality Stadium 13
- Josh Adams scored two tries for Wales 23
- Wales will face New Zealand next, followed by Australia 12
- Louis Rees-Zammit scored a try for Wales 13
- Archie Griffin scored a try for Wales 23
- Ben Gunter scored a try for Japan 23
- Warner Dearns scored a try for Japan 23
- Rynnosuke Ito was unavailable for Japan due to university commitments 1
- Riku Kitahara made his debut for Japan as third-choice fly-half 1
- Approximately 52,425 spectators attended the match 1
- Wales had previously beaten Fiji and lost to Argentina and South Africa in the tournament 1
- Japan had beaten Italy but lost to Ireland and France in the tournament 1
- Wales will play against New Zealand on November 14, 2026, at the Principality Stadium 3
- Japan will play against England on November 14, 2026, at the Allianz Stadium 3
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 79%, weighted across 24 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Wales won against Japan with a score of 28-21. (94%)
- confirmed The match took place at the Principality Stadium. (87%)
- confirmed Josh Adams scored two tries for Wales. (86%)
- confirmed Wales will face New Zealand next, followed by Australia in their remaining matches. (87%)
- confirmed Louis Rees-Zammit scored a try for Wales. (87%)
- confirmed Archie Griffin scored a try for Wales. (86%)
- confirmed Ben Gunter scored a try for Japan. (86%)
- confirmed Warner Dearns scored a try for Japan. (86%)
- likely Rynnosuke Ito was unavailable for Japan due to university commitments. (73%)
- likely Riku Kitahara made his debut for Japan as third-choice fly-half. (73%)
- likely Approximately 52,425 spectators attended the match. (73%)
- likely This was Wales' fourth win under head coach Steve Tandy in 13 internationals. (73%)
- likely Japan will play against England and Scotland in their upcoming fixtures. (73%)
- likely The final weekend of the competition will take place at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. (73%)
- likely If standings remain unchanged, Wales and Japan will meet again for the fifth-placed finish in south-west London. (73%)
- likely Nine English-based club players were in Wales' starting lineup. (73%)
- likely Wales had previously beaten Fiji and lost to Argentina and South Africa in the tournament. (73%)
- likely Japan had beaten Italy but lost to Ireland and France in the tournament. (73%)
- likely This was Wales' third win in five recent Tests. (72%)
- likely Wales had experienced a 18-match losing streak following the 2023 World Cup. (72%)
- likely Kenta Fukuda scored a try for Japan near the end of the match. (71%)
- likely The match took place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Principality Stadium. (71%)
- likely Wales will play against New Zealand on November 14, 2026, at the Principality Stadium. (71%)
- likely Japan will play against England on November 14, 2026, at the Allianz Stadium. (71%)
Sources
- BBC Sport — Wales labour to bonus-point win against Japan
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/crd6d1ygjv68o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss - The Guardian Sport — Louis Rees-Zammit helps edge Wales to unconvincing victory against Japan
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/nov/07/wales-japan-nations-championship-rugby-union-match-report - Sky Sports — Wales outlast Japan despite nervy finish
https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12040/13609203/nations-championship-wales-28-21-japan-josh-adams-scores-twice-as-steve-tandys-side-outlast-visitors-despite-nervy-finish