Wales' brave approach brings 21-month wait for Test win to an end

THE margin between victory and defeat, as Wales have learned the brutal way over the last 21 months, is remarkably thin.

- By BEN JAMES

In the first Test in Kitakyushu, Matt Sherratt's side were unable to hold onto a 19-7 lead in the blazing sun. On Saturday under the roof in Kobe, cushions of 21-3 and 24-10 had vanished.

Leading by two points heading into the final 10 minutes, just as they had the previous week, it felt like everyone knew how this was about to play out.

Only those decked out all in red at Noevir Stadium were about to flip the script.

After 18 consecutive Test defeats, dragging the national team to new lows in terms of the world rankings, they did it.

It mattered little how they got over the line. Having waited so long for a win, no one cared.

It was always going to be the case that Wales had to go out and properly win it in the final minutes, rather than just hold on and fall over the line.

They'd essentially tried that the week before. It didn’t work, with the conditions and fear paralysing Wales.

It’s a familiar story. Throughout this run, Wales have been capable of moments early on in matches. The problems have often come about once the match reaches its conclusion.

It looked to be a similar tale this time around. From the off, Wales looked to push an extra pass to stress Japan.

Aaron Wainwright, in for Taulupe Faletau, shone early on - showing great work rate to get a second touch as Wales’ forwards strung passes together to make ground.

There was a clear intent to shift the ball a little wider than Japan expected. From deep, an extra tip-on pass set them nicely for Dan Edwards to kick on his own terms.

Edwards’ high contestable was tapped back by Rogers in the air, with Johnny Williams claiming it. The centre got isolated and turned over, but Alex Mann got over the ball to win it back.