Wales defence coach Peter Murchie wants a big step up in the tackle department when Japan visit on Saturday.
Wales defence coach Peter Murchie has made his message clear ahead of Saturday's home Test against Japan: the defensive work has to get a lot better, and fast.
Murchie's focus is on his own patch. He is looking for a vast improvement in how Wales handle the basics without the ball, including line speed, tackle accuracy and organisation. For a coach in his position, a home fixture is the ideal chance to show that the work on the training pitch is paying off.
Japan will be a stern examination. They are known for quick ball movement, sharp offloading and a willingness to attack from anywhere, which punishes any hesitation or missed tackle. Wales cannot afford to switch off for even a moment against an opponent that thrives on turning loose defence into points.
For Wales, the Japan game is a chance to show progress in an area that has come under scrutiny. If Murchie gets the response he wants on Saturday, it could give the squad a real platform to build on.
