A game that Wales simply have to win... and I wish they had picked a specialist No.7

WALES against Japan is a match of huge importance. In only his second game in charge Steve Tandy desperately needs to win.

- GWYN JONES

Everyone accepts the task of turning Welsh rugby around will take years not weeks but that process will feel a lot more positive if Wales can get a win this evening.

Retaining their 12th place in the world rankings is one reason why a victory is critical but for me there is a more pressing need for Tandy to register a win.

After this match Wales will play in order New Zealand, South Africa, England and France. To my mind, the four best teams in the world.

Having conceded 50 points to Argentina, there is every possibility that something similar, if not worse, awaits Wales in the next few matches.

These four teams are on a different level and so we know pain is coming.

The final match against the Springboks may be brutal where Wales will be without 12 of the squad selected for this match.

Italy and Scotland represent possible opportunities for a win but on current form that seems rather hopeful.

So if Wales don't win against Japan you wonder where Tandy's first win will come from and then that becomes the narrative in every press conference.

We've been there before, we do not want to go back to that.

The amount of goodwill behind the Welsh side and the coaching team is palpable.

The public have bought into the long term process of rebuilding that is underway.

But to maintain that positivity over what will be many difficult months, you need something to hold onto.

A win against Japan would help keep the faith.