Japan records historic win over Wales

TOKYO (June 15) – Japan beat Wales for the first time in history on Saturday winning 23-8 in front of a packed Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

Following a first half dominated by the boot, the second half opened up with the Welsh crossing first before Japan regained the lead and then sealed the game through tries by Craig Wing and Michael Broadhurst.

After missing three kicks in last week’s narrow loss, Ayumu Goromaru made amends by knocking over three penalties and two conversions.

The Welsh got off to the better start but they were unable to turn their territory and possession into points and Japan struck first when Goromaru slotted over a penalty in the 14th minute.

Wales responded when Dan Biggar finally found the target in the 21st minute, having missed an earlier shot at goal with the game just two minutes old.

The game then ebbed and flowed both ways before Japan regained the lead when Goromaru slotted over a penalty from 48 meters out in the 34th minute.

As in the first half, Wales started the second strongly and Tom Prydie crossed for the opening try in the 44th minute following some good interplay between Rhys Patchell and Biggar.

But that was the last time they bothered the scoreboard, as Japan lifted their game.

Wing finished off some great interplay between forwards and backs in the 48th minute and Broadhurst went over in the 59th following an equally good passage of play.

Wales tried to get back into the game but they met with a superb defensive effort with every Japan player tackling themselves to a standstill.

Goromaru, who converted both the tries, made sure there was no way back for the Welsh when he banged over his third penalty four minutes from time.

All that was left was for the joyous crowd to count down the clock as Japan recorded an historic win.