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Japan Rallies 24-19 to Hand Wales 18th Straight Test Defeat

25 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Published Jul 5, 2025, 09:09 AM

Japan overturned a 12-point halftime deficit to defeat Wales 24-19 in Kitakyushu on Saturday, claiming only their second victory over the visitors and their first since 2013. The result, achieved before a capacity crowd at Mikuni World Stadium, prolongs Wales’ record losing streak to 18 Tests—the longest run by a major rugby nation in the professional era.

Wales looked on course to end their drought after first-half tries from Ben Thomas and Tom Rogers and a penalty try helped them lead 19-7 at the break. But Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms dominated the closing 40 minutes, with replacement wing Ichigo Nakakusu and centre Halatoa Vailea adding to an earlier score from full-back Takuro Matsunaga. Fly-half Seungsin Lee converted all three tries and landed a penalty for a personal haul of nine points.

The collapse deepens Wales’ slump that began after the 2023 World Cup and will push Matt Sherratt’s side down to 14th in the world rankings. Japan, ranked 13th, capitalised on Welsh indiscipline and fatigue in sweltering 34°C heat that forced mid-half water breaks and an extended interval, stretching the match to more than two hours.

The two-Test series moves to Kobe’s Misaki Park next Saturday, where Wales must halt their slide to avoid a winless calendar year, while Japan aim to seal a rare series triumph.

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#Japan #Wales #Kitakyushu #Mikuni World Stadium #Tests #Ben Thomas #Tom Rogers #Eddie Jones #Brave Blossoms #Ichigo Nakakusu #Halatoa Vailea #Takuro Matsunaga #Seungsin Lee #2023 World Cup #Matt Sherratt #Welsh #Kobe #Misaki Park

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Sources

walesonline.co.uk(9)ultimaterugby.com(5)mainichi.jp(4)lequipe.fr(3)

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@SANSPOCOM

The Japanese national team reversed the 12 point difference in the second half of their victory against Wales since 2013 #LipovitanD Challenge Cup 2025 (5th, Japan 24-19 Wales, Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu) Japan national team chases 12 points and raised 17 points in the second half to win in reverse

日本経済新聞電子版（日経電子版）

@nikkei

Japan national rugby team defeats Wales for second win since 2013

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@business

The longest losing streak by a major test rugby team in the professional era was extended to 18 matches when Wales lost to Japan 24-19 on Saturday. Via AP

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Japan Rallies 24-19 to Hand Wales 18th Straight Test Defeat

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