Wales Seek First Win of Tandy Era in High-Stakes Clash with Japan

Wales host a crucial Autumn International test against Eddie Jones’ Japan at the Principality Stadium on Saturday evening, with victory vital to both teams' 2027 Rugby World Cup seeding hopes. 

The top six ranked nations before December’s draw will be in band one, with teams ranked 7th to 12th placed in band two. Wales currently sit 12th, clutching the final band-two spot, with Japan just behind in 13th, making this a high-stakes test in Cardiff.

Josh Adams and Blair Murray share an embrace after winning the second test in Japan

These sides met twice during Wales’ summer tour of Japan, where the hosts claimed a dramatic 24-19 win in the first Test to seal Wales’ 18th consecutive loss, before they responded with a hard-fought 31-22 victory in Kobe just a week later under interim head coach Matt Sherratt, now Steve Tandy’s attack coach.

Historically, Wales have dominated this fixture, winning 14 of their 16 professional meetings, including their record 98-0 victory in Cardiff in November 2004. They have also registered five victories out of five against Japan at home, by an average winning margin of 51 points, highlighting this dominance.

However, the Brave Blossoms' continued rise to a high of 13th in the World Rankings, as well as winning the first test in the summer against Wales, indicates their progress under Eddie Jones, proving that the gap is closing.

Both teams come into this one off the back of some difficult results. Japan reached the Pacific Nations Cup earlier this year, losing a thrilling final 33-27 to Fiji, but since then have endured crushing defeats to South Africa and Ireland this Autumn.

Meanwhile, the hosts have played just once since the summer, falling to a heavy 52-28 defeat to Argentina in Steve Tandy’s first game in charge. There was plenty of attacking promise on show, running in four tries but conceded seven, in a performance littered with poor defensive errors and naivety at times.

Tandy has made four changes ahead of this weekend. Louis Rees-Zammit will make his first start since the 2023 World Cup, replacing Tom Rogers on the right wing. Props Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin replace Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti in a front-row freshen up following a six-day turnaround.

While Olly Cracknell will make his first start for Wales, following a string of impressive performances for Leicester Tigers, slotting into the back row alongside Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann, following captain Jac Morgan’s shoulder injury last week, ruling him out of the rest of the Autumn campaign.

Eddie Jones has made two personnel changes after his side’s 41-10 defeat to Ireland at the Aviva Stadium last weekend. Jack Cornelsen comes into the back row, replacing Ben Gunter, while Keijiro Tamefusa takes Shuhei Takeuchi’s spot in the front row.

Japan will also be without their legendary captain Michael Leitch, who misses out through injury, meaning Warner Dearns will lead his side out at the Principality Stadium.

Jones said his side intends to put Wales under pressure, stating, “The pressure of not winning for two years at home will be felt by Wales. Sometimes that can be an advantage and sometimes a burden. It’s our job to make sure it’s a burden.”

Tandy looked ahead to the game, saying, “We’ve definitely seen lots of how we want to play against Argentina. There was plenty to be pleased about, our attack was excellent, and I saw a lot of physicality, but there’s lots to improve. That’s what we’ve been focusing on. We’re looking to build on that first performance this weekend.”

With World Cup seeding on the line and Tandy chasing his first win, expect a tense, high-pressure battle under the closed roof at the Principality Stadium, with Jones looking to mastermind a surprise once again.