Wales held off a spirited Japan in Cardiff to win 28-21 and start their Nations Championship campaign with a victory.
Wales have their first win in the Nations Championship. They beat Japan 28-21 in Cardiff in the opening game of their campaign, and it was close enough to keep supporters nervous until the end.
A seven-point margin shows how tight this one was. Japan stayed in the contest and pushed Wales throughout, so the home side never got the comfortable evening they might have wanted. Wales had to stay composed and finish the job.
For Wales, the result is a positive start in a competition where every fixture counts. Opening with a win gives them early momentum and a bit of breathing room as the schedule unfolds. The performance will still leave plenty to review, given how competitive Japan made it.
Japan will leave Cardiff with a lot to take from the game. They showed they can compete with a Tier 1 side away from home, and the match was a reminder of how much quality they bring to the competition.
The highlights are available, so you can catch the key moments from a tense, entertaining opener.
