Wales losing run extends to 18 defeats after late capitulation against Japan

Tries from Takuro Matsunaga, Ichigo Nakakusu and Halatoa Vailea piled on more misery for the tourists.

Matt Sherratt’s Wales lost to Japan. Pic: Joe Giddens/PA

Wales wilted in the Kitakyushu heat to lose 24-19 to Japan and suffer an 18th successive Test defeat.

First-half tries from Ben Thomas and Tom Rogers, as well as a penalty try and a Sam Costelow conversion, gave Wales a 19-7 interval lead and hopes of a first victory since beating Georgia at the 2023 World Cup 21 months ago.