Cardiff Heartbreak for Brave Blossoms

The Brave Blossoms came agonisingly close to securing their first ever win over Wales outside of Japan, going down 24-23 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Holding onto a two-point advantage for the final 15 minutes of the match, a penalty kick to Wales deep in extra time saw the hosts snatch a famous last-minute victory in the Welsh Capital.

Following a hard fought first half, both sides went into the sheds with the score tied at seven points apiece. The second half proved just as much of an arm wrestle with the lead changing three times before a Brave Blossom’s penalty goal brought the score to 21-23 in favour of Japan. 

As the clock ticked down, it was looking increasingly likely that Eddie Jones would enjoy his third victory over Wales as Japan coach, however it wasn’t to be. A penalty and yellow card to replacement lock Harry Hockings for dangerous play at the 80 minute threw Wales a lifeline. 

Kicking to the corner for touch, Wales secured their lineout on the 22-meter line to form a driving maul. Initially holding firm, Japan anticipated the ball to be spun out to the backs. Sensing the opportunity to drive the maul forward and taking advantage of their numerical advantage in the forwards, the hosts kept it in tight and drove onwards to the tryline. 

Two meters out, Wales broke free from the maul to attack the line. The desperate Japanese defence hurled themselves towards the Welsh attack, only to give away a penalty for a no-arms tackle. Given their chance to snatch victory from the grasp of the Brave Blossoms, the hosts took that chance. The ensuing kick was on target, bringing the score to 24-23 and sending the Welsh players and fans into a state of delirium.

As with their 15-19 loss to Australia in Tokyo three weeks back, this was a match Japan had every chance to win. They enjoyed a lion’s share of possession with 54% and a territory advantage of 68%. They made 1,085 meters from 186 carries compared to 627 meters off 95 carries for their hosts. While the Brave Blossoms coaching team can be pleased with many aspects of the game, Japan’s inability to turn dominant possession into points will no doubt be a focus as the team heads onto Tbilisi to face Georgia next weekend.

Commenting during the post-match press conference, Brave Blossoms Head Coach Eddie Jones said:

“To lose the match at the last minute at Principality Stadium is tough. The atmosphere is electric, the ground lights up and you’ve got to handle that pressure. At the end of the day, in the last five minutes we didn’t handle it well. We had a lead and we should have been able to keep it for the rest of the game. Having said that, I’m really proud of the way the team approached the game. We went out there right from the start to win it, which is a good approach from a young team. It’s an experience for these young players and we will get a lot out of today.”

Commenting on the three debutants, Jones continued:

“They were really good. Playing your first test in Cardiff is a difficult ask. We had three boys today, and for the season we’re up to about 25 first caps. So you can see the development we’re getting in the team. A win today would have been a real boost going forward but we’ve got to pick ourselves up, get on the plane to Tbilisi and front up next Saturday.”

The Brave Blossoms now set their sights on their final test of the year against Georgia next Saturday, November 22. Kicking off at 16:00 local time in Tbilisi, the match will play from 21:00 Japan time.

Japan National Team Autumn Match Schedule

Saturday 18 October
JAPAN XV vs Australia A (Uncapped)
7-71 (L)
Asahi Super Dry CHALLENGE MATCH 2025  
YODOKO Sakura Stadium, Osaka

Friday 24 October
Hong Kong China vs JAPAN XV (Uncapped)
14-59 (W)
Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong

Saturday 25 October
Japan vs Australia
15-19 (L)
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025
National Stadium, Tokyo

Saturday 1 November
Japan vs South Africa
7-61 (L)
Lipovitan D Tour 2025
Wembley Stadium, London

Saturday 8 November
Ireland vs Japan
41-10 (L)
Lipovitan D Tour 2025
Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday 15 November
Wales vs Japan
24-23 (L)
Lipovitan D Tour 2025
Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Saturday 22 November
Kick-off 16:00 local time (21:00 JST)
Georgia vs Japan
Lipovitan D Tour 2025
Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi