Japan stun Wales with late try as Test losing streak stretches to 18

Japan edge Wales in brutal conditions to deepen crisis for visitors

In searing heat and suffocating humidity in Kitakyushu, Wales’ winless nightmare continued. A late try from Japan’s Halatoa Vailea secured a 24-19 victory, extending Wales‘ losing streak in Test matches to 18 and plunging them to a new low in the World Rugby rankings.

At half-time, the result looked like it might finally turn in Wales‘ favour. They led 19-7 and had the momentum. But as the temperature soared to 34 degrees Celsius and humidity choked the stadium air, it was Eddie Jones’ Japan who coped better, showing stamina and belief to claim a famous comeback win in front of a delighted home crowd.

A bright Welsh start undone by brutal second-half collapse

Wales started brightly despite losing lock Ben Carter to injury within the opening 30 seconds. Ben Thomas crossed first after a lovely move finished off by a Taulupe Faletau assist, and further first-half tries from Tom Rogers and a penalty try after deliberate foul play by Ichigo Nakakusu gave the tourists a 12-point advantage at the break.

But the second half told a different story. The extreme conditions took their toll. Players wore ice hats, huddled under towels, and were granted extended breaks—including a 20-minute half-time and mid-half water breaks under World Rugby’s revised heat protocols. Despite preparations, Wales wilted.

Japan came roaring back with Nakakusu and Vailea both scoring, while Seungsin Lee’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking. A forward pass denied Ben Gunter a try that would have sealed it earlier, but Japan had the final say as Vailea crashed over from a line-out drive in the 71st minute.

Leitch leads Japan with vintage performance

Japan 24-19 Wales: Hosts hit back to add to tourists’ woes –

36-year-old Japan captain Michael Leitch was everywhere—tackling, carrying, leading by example. It was his presence that kept Japan believing even when they trailed heavily. This was a side playing with intent, cohesion, and the full backing of a partisan crowd at a stadium that once served as a training base for Wales during the 2019 World Cup.

Eddie Jones, who also masterminded Japan’s only other victory over Wales back in 2013, again proved his knack for finding the right plan on the biggest days.

Wales: New low, same problems

It was supposed to be a turning point. Caretaker head coach Matt Sherratt made 11 changes after the 68-14 demolition by England. Some paid off—Thomas and Rogers impressed early on, Faletau was influential, and Nicky Smith and Josh Macleod got valuable turnovers. But the second half brought old issues: a malfunctioning line-out, discipline concerns, poor breakdown work, and a worrying fade in intensity.

Injuries didn’t help. Carter’s early exit set the tone. By the final whistle, Wales looked out on their feet, unable to summon one last effort to claw back the game.

They now sit 14th in the world rankings—below both Japan and Samoa—and remain without a Test win in 21 months. Confidence looks drained. Even with the young talent coming through, the mental and physical fragility of this squad is glaring.

No homecoming bounce in familiar Kitakyushu

Wales had trained in Kitakyushu ahead of their 2019 World Cup campaign and were embraced by the locals then. In a poetic twist, the same stadium hosted this sobering defeat. A capacity crowd created an electric atmosphere, but it was Japan they roared on, and it was the hosts who had the last word.

The sense of transition for Wales continues. With a caretaker coach, a new stadium on the horizon back home, and a new identity to forge post-Gatland, the questions keep piling up.

What next?

Wales will regroup and face Japan again on Saturday, 12 July, in Kobe. But the challenge now is as much psychological as tactical. The losing habit is entrenched. Sherratt’s side must find not just strategy, but belief.

For Japan, it’s a moment to savour. A win over a Tier 1 nation under scorching pressure, in every sense. With a fresh generation coming through and Jones at the helm again, the Brave Blossoms are building something.

And for Wales? Another lesson in humility, another scar to wear, and another desperate search for answers.

Final score: Japan 24-19 Wales