Wales secured a narrow 28-21 victory over Japan at the Principality Stadium, with Louis Rees-Zammit claiming the official player of the match award. Tries from Archie Griffin, Josh Adams (twice) and Rees-Zammit, plus eight points from the boots of Sam Costelow and Dan Edwards, proved enough to edge a contest that was far from convincing.
Backline ratings: Rees-Zammit leads the way
Rees-Zammit was Wales' biggest attacking threat, starting with an incisive break and repeatedly slicing open the Japanese defence. He made four linebreaks and scored a crucial try, earning a 9 rating.
Eddie James (8) was described as one of Wales' biggest attacking weapons but was not used enough. He brushed aside Naoto Saito before offloading to Blair Murray to set up Rees-Zammit's try. Murray (7) was dangerous with ball in hand, though his failure to call a mark in the first half contributed to Japan's opening score.
Josh Adams (6) was caught out defensively for Japan's first try but responded with two tries of his own, while Max Llewellyn (6) made seven carries in a solid display.
Forward pack and half-backs
Aaron Wainwright (7) was arguably Wales' best forward, hitting a tremendous angle to break the Japanese defence, while Jac Morgan (7) finished as top tackler with 12. Alex Mann (7) made nine tackles and produced effective tip-on passes.
Sam Costelow (5) kicked well out of hand but was guilty of kicking the ball away when Wales had numbers outside. Tomos Williams (5) was sloppy in the first half, with a knock-on and a tackle in possession leading to Japan's first try.
Front five and replacements
Archie Griffin (6) scored Wales' first try and worked hard in the scrum, while Dewi Lake (6) made seven carries and 10 tackles but had lineout issues. Nicky Smith (6) saved a certain try with a turnover on his own line.
Among the replacements, Ryan Elias (7) and Rhys Carre (7) made positive impacts, while Dan Edwards (6) kicked well in a broken game. James Botham (6) contributed defensively in his 11 minutes on the field.
