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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Matt Sherratt wants Wales' win against Japan ‘to be the start of something'
Matt Sherratt hopes Wales' 31-22 victory over Japan can 'be the start of something' after they snapped an 18-match losing Test run. A hard-fought performance saw Kieran Hardy score two tries along with efforts from Josh Adams and Dan Edwards as Wales held off a second-half Japan comeback to clinch the win at the Noevir Stadium. Advertisement It earned Wales their first Test win since beating Georgia at the 2023 World Cup. Sherratt took over as interim head coach following the departure of Warren Gatland during the Six Nations Championship in February and he hopes Saturday's win can help his successor start with a clean slate. 'A very passionate group of players and staff. There's some real talent as well,' Sherratt told a post-match press conference. 'Today is the end of a long season, but for Welsh rugby it's got to be the start of something. 'The next guy coming in – the big motivation for the group was to let whoever that is start on a level playing field without the burden of the 18 in a row around his neck. Advertisement 'That was a big motivation for me coming in. The work's got to be done now with the national coaches in the regions, lets get into the regions and help develop a good young group of players.' Sherratt had overseen four of those 18 defeats coming into Saturday's contest and expressed his delight for Wales' players and staff to finally earn a win as emotions ran high at full-time. He added: 'For me, it's about the people. As I said before, I've genuinely never wanted to win a game of rugby so much. 'I'm not around it being win or loss. I'm more around I know what the group has put in – I've been around for four games, but I see what it means to them, what it means to the staff. Advertisement 'I was so pleased for this group, there's not been a more deserving group that I've worked with, so it was pretty emotional. 'I had to get Gethin Jenkins to give me a slap around the face to get in check because as you'd seen, I could have easily embarrassed myself on TV.' Wales took a 21-10 lead into half-time thanks to efforts from Adams and Hardy, before Shuhei Takeuchi scored before the break. Dewi Lake admitted he was 'over the moon' (Joe Giddens/PA) Edwards' penalty extended the visitors' advantage, but they suddenly found themselves in trouble when converted tries from Warner Dearns and Dylan Riley closed the gap to two points. However, Wales were able to see the game out after a brilliant piece of individual skill from Taine Plumtree saw him fire a reverse pass into Edwards and the fly-half dived over the line to wrap up the win. Advertisement Reflecting on the game, skipper Dewi Lake added: 'I'm over the moon, it's been a long time coming. 'I look back at tough results we've had over the last 18 months, couple of one-pointers, couple of two-pointers. We were probably in the driving seat last week and let it slip. 'To dig in and get the job done today is an amazing feeling.'
The Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Matt Sherratt wants Wales' win against Japan ‘to be the start of something'
Matt Sherratt hopes Wales' 31-22 victory over Japan can 'be the start of something' after they snapped an 18-match losing Test run. A hard-fought performance saw Kieran Hardy score two tries along with efforts from Josh Adams and Dan Edwards as Wales held off a second-half Japan comeback to clinch the win at the Noevir Stadium. It earned Wales their first Test win since beating Georgia at the 2023 World Cup. Sherratt took over as interim head coach following the departure of Warren Gatland during the Six Nations Championship in February and he hopes Saturday's win can help his successor start with a clean slate. 'A very passionate group of players and staff. There's some real talent as well,' Sherratt told a post-match press conference. 'Today is the end of a long season, but for Welsh rugby it's got to be the start of something. 'The next guy coming in – the big motivation for the group was to let whoever that is start on a level playing field without the burden of the 18 in a row around his neck. 'That was a big motivation for me coming in. The work's got to be done now with the national coaches in the regions, lets get into the regions and help develop a good young group of players.' Sherratt had overseen four of those 18 defeats coming into Saturday's contest and expressed his delight for Wales' players and staff to finally earn a win as emotions ran high at full-time. He added: 'For me, it's about the people. As I said before, I've genuinely never wanted to win a game of rugby so much. 'I'm not around it being win or loss. I'm more around I know what the group has put in – I've been around for four games, but I see what it means to them, what it means to the staff. 'I was so pleased for this group, there's not been a more deserving group that I've worked with, so it was pretty emotional. 'I had to get Gethin Jenkins to give me a slap around the face to get in check because as you'd seen, I could have easily embarrassed myself on TV.' Wales took a 21-10 lead into half-time thanks to efforts from Adams and Hardy, before Shuhei Takeuchi scored before the break. Edwards' penalty extended the visitors' advantage, but they suddenly found themselves in trouble when converted tries from Warner Dearns and Dylan Riley closed the gap to two points. However, Wales were able to see the game out after a brilliant piece of individual skill from Taine Plumtree saw him fire a reverse pass into Edwards and the fly-half dived over the line to wrap up the win. Reflecting on the game, skipper Dewi Lake added: 'I'm over the moon, it's been a long time coming. 'I look back at tough results we've had over the last 18 months, couple of one-pointers, couple of two-pointers. We were probably in the driving seat last week and let it slip. 'To dig in and get the job done today is an amazing feeling.'
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Wales overcome wobble to end 18-Test losing streak in Japan
Interim head coach Matt Sherratt succeeded in ensuring the next permanent boss doesn't inherit a nightmare run, although the tourists were far from convincing in Kobe. Once again they looked like a side who have forgotten how to win after being in a position of strength at 21-3 up approaching half-time, then 24-10 nearing the final quarter. Mistakes were made, players looked ragged but this time they held on after Japan closed the gap to two points. Credit to them for that and the hope will be that better performances will come after the release of pressure. Wales struck three times in the first half to lead 21-10 with wing Josh Adams followed over by scrum-half Kieran Hardy twice. Japan had cut the gap with the final play before the hooter and then made the most of sloppiness and shoddiness to make it 24-22 in the closing stages. Eddie Jones' men looked the more likely to win but then some rare composure led to a clincher by fly-half Dan Edwards. After fluffing their lines in Kitakyushu, Wales enjoyed victory celebrations for the first time since October, 2023 when Georgia were turned over at the World Cup. It certainly wasn't convincing in the heat and humidity of Kobe, and there were mixed-bag performances from most individuals, but it was job done at the second attempt in Japan. DEBUT: Dragons tighthead Chris Coleman made his first Wales appearance (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) It also meant that Dragons tighthead Chris Coleman, who came off the bench in the second half for a debut, starts international life as a winner. Wales appeared to have learnt their lessons from the previous weekend by showing more attacking intent from the off. That paid off in the ninth minute when Blair Murray made a line break from a Ben Thomas offload and then put Adams racing over. Dan Edwards converted on his first Test start and a chance went begging to make it a quickfire double when Rogers flung a wild pass after bursting down the right when Japan made a complete mess of a box kick. The Brave Blossoms came alive in the 20th minute with a sudden burst, but scrambling defence saw talisman Michael Leitch tackled into touch down the left when a leveller looked on. Wales responded and should have crossed again when Wainwright gathered a dropped ball and kicked through but Adams dropped the ball with the line at his mercy. It would have been chalked off anyway after the TMO and assistants talked referee Luke Pearce into giving a penalty for a high tackle by Josh Macleod in the build-up. The referee had initially been happy that there was no foul play but instead gave Seungsin Lee a chance to cut the gap from the tee, which he duly did. Wales responded well through their driving lineout to put the pressure on in the 22, kicking penalties to the corner rather than between the posts. SNIPE: Kieran Hardy of Wales scores a try (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) That paid off with scrum-half Kieran Hardy darting over under penalty advantage, the try not saving Japan number eight Faulua Makisi from seeing yellow after the offences racked up. Edwards converted and Wales were again in a position of strength at 14-3 up approaching the half hour. They needed to hammer home their advantage at the end of the first half against 14 men and did with a huge blow with 36 minutes on the clock. More intent led to Adams getting the ball on the left, stepping in and racing away before staying cool in the heat to put Hardy over for a try that Edwards converted for 21-3. That would have been a handy lead at the break but instead the Japanese struck before the hooter after kicking a scrum penalty to the corner. Playing under penalty advantage, replacement prop Shuhei Takeuchi carried hard, released the ball after being tackled and bundled over after getting to his feet. That defensive sloppiness allowed Lee's conversion to make it 21-10 at the break. Japan came out swinging in the second half yet it was Wales that got the first points with Edwards slotting a penalty, won by strong breakdown work from flanker Macleod, in the 49th minute to make it 24-10. Wales were in a strong position approaching the hour but then shot themselves in the foot. CLINCHER: Dan Edwards secured Wales' win in Japan (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) Hardy tried a box kick inside the Japan half but without sufficient protection, leading to a charge down and an attack that ended with lock Warner Deans going over from close range. It looked to be short on the TMO footage but it was deemed that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision of try. Lee missed the conversion but was soon adding the extras from a Dylan Riley try. Hardy flung a pass that slipped through Edwards' hands and was pouched by the centre, who raced under the sticks from halfway. Suddenly it was just 24-22 to Wales and the momentum was all with the hosts. Wales were all over the shop but found some composure in the 75th minute to clinch the game, a wonderful Taine Plumtree offload in the 22 leading to Edwards dashing over and converting. At 31-22 with five minutes left, this had to be it. And it was with some players and staff showing their emotion at the final whistle. Now the new boss will be tasked with starting a winning run as Welsh rugby chiefs grapple with a myriad of off-field issues. Wales scorers: tries - Adams, Hardy (2), Edwards; conversions - Edwards (4), penalty - Edwards. Japan scorers: tries - Takeuchi, Dearns, Riley; conversions - Lee (2); penalty - Lee. Referee: Luke Pearce.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales v Japan player ratings as hero emerges to save the day
Wales v Japan player ratings as hero emerges to save the day Wales found it within themselves to get over the line as another second half capitulation looked like unfolding Wales players celebrate the team's 31-22 victory (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) It has been 644 days but at long last Wales' losing run has come to an end as Matt Sherratt's side beat Japan 31-22 in Kobe. Tries from Josh Adams, Kieran Hardy (twice) and Dan Edwards got Wales over the line. Wales had to dig deep and had to win the game twice after Japan responded strongly after the break. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. Here are the player ratings. 15. Blair Murray 7 A constant threat with ball in hand rarely failing to beat the first defender. Created the first try with a lovely break while he also had a hand in Wales' second. Applied a lot of pressure in the aerial battle while there was also one superb 50/22. 14. Tom Rogers 7 Japan targeted Rogers' aerial game but he was more than up to the challenge. Looked dangerous with ball in hand while his kicking out of hand was also good. Article continues below 13. Johnny Williams 6 Carried well and brought a physical presence to the midfield. He arguably hasn't made as much of an impact as he does for the Scarlets but he was solid enough and worked well with Ben Thomas 12. Ben Thomas 6 Crucial to Wales' attacking game with his distribution helping Wales to to create overlaps. The Cardiff playmaker was quietly effective throughout as his passing game put others into space. 11. Josh Adams 7 Only lasted one half but that was his best Wales performance since before the 2023 World Cup. Huge work rate and as safe as houses under the high ball but also a threat with ball in hand. Scored his 22nd try for Wales and hit a wicked angle to set up Kieran Hardy's second. 10. Dan Edwards 7 An impressive first Wales start for the Ospreys playmaker. Edwards controlled the game well while his kicking was also on point. Dovetailed well with Ben Thomas and claimed the decisive try which brought Wales' losing run to an end. 9. Kieran Hardy 6 An outstanding first-half performance where he claimed two tries while his passing was crisp. But a few wayward kicks after the break put Wales under pressure and his loose pass to Dan Edwards cost Wales a try when Dylan Riley intercepted. Kieran Hardy of Wales dives to score the team's third try (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) 8. Aaron Wainwright 8 Carried well getting Wales over the gainline while his handling in the wide channels was also very good. The Dragons man finished the game as the top carrier with 17 while his footballing ability also came to the fore. 7. Josh Macleod 8 (Star man) The Scarlets skipper put in a huge shift and was instrumental in ending Wales' losing run. Macleod put in 13 tackles with one crucial last ditch tackle on Michael Leitch in the first-half. But he was selected for his work at the breakdown where he made four turnovers, including winning two crucial penalties late on to relieve pressure. The hero of the hour when Wales needed somebody to step up as they wobbled. 6. Alex Mann 6 Put in a big shift during the first-half putting in 10 tackles while he did a lot of unseen work. But ideally he needs to make more than three carries. Conceded a penalty straight after half-time and was replaced by Taine Plumtree. 5. Teddy Williams 7 The Cardiff lock put in a big shift. Williams finished the game as the joint second highest tackler with 13 while he got through a huge amount of unseen work. Ensured the lineout run smoothly for the most part. 4. Freddie Thomas 6 The Gloucester lock was another Wales forward who emptied the tank putting in 11 tackles. Thomas was excellent at the lineout and helped get Wales' maul working well. 3. Archie Griffin 6 Solid enough in the scrums as Wales held the upper hand for the majority of the first-half and worked hard around the park. Griffin carried well and put in five tackles. 2. Dewi Lake 7 It was another big shift from the Ospreys man who put in 13 tackles while he also carried hard. Consistently got Wales over the gainline making 10 carries while the lineout went reasonably well. Led from the front as always. 1. Nicky Smith 6 Scrummaged well during the first-half as Wales held the upper hand over the Japanese. Put a decent shift on around the park making seven tackles before getting replaced early on in the second-half. Replacements 16. Liam Belcher 6 The Cardiff man made a decent impact from the bench more often than not hitting his man at the lineout and carried well. 17. Gareth Thomas 6 Faced a tough challenge at the scrum against Japan's replacement front-row but was more than up to the challenge. 18. Chris Coleman 6 Not a bad showing at all on his Test debut. Locked out the scrum well. 19. James Ratti 6 A real workhorse who helped get Wales over the line with his relentless workrate. 20. Taine Plumtree 7 The Scarlets star made the biggest impact of all Wales' replacements. Hurried back into his 22 to clear the ball when Wales were under pressure, carried well and hit hard in defence while it was his lovely flick pass which unlocked the Japan defence for Dan Edwards' try. 21. Tommy Reffell 5 Didn't have much time on the field. 22. Reuben Morgan-Williams 5 A Test debut for the Ospreys scrum-half but he wouldn't have envisaged coming on in midfield after Johnny Williams limped off with an injury. Article continues below 23. Keelan Giles 6 Looked lively whenever he had the ball and didn't look out of place.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
After 644 winless days Wales beat Japan to end 18-match losing streak
Wales finally brought their record 18-match losing streak to an end with a 31-22 victory over Japan in the second Test at Misaki Park Stadium, holding on for a win after another nervy performance. Wales outscored their hosts by four tries to three in Kobe to register their first success in 644 days, since the last World Cup in 2023, and square the two-Test series 1-1 after losing 24-19 in Kitakyushu last weekend. Welsh relief was palpable as they again started the game well but unlike last Saturday held on to their halftime lead, despite being under much pressure in the second half. Kieran Hardy scored two tries and Josh Adams and Dan Edwards the other two while Edwards kicked over a penalty and three conversions. Shuhei Takeuchi, Warner Dearns and Dylan Riley were Japan's try scorers with Lee Seungsin putting over a penalty and two conversions. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion This report will update
