**Adam Jones Seeks Solutions After Scrum Falters in Japan Test**
Adam Jones, currently serving as Wales’ interim scrum coach, has taken the rare step of making direct phone calls to rugby officials after significant issues emerged during Wales’ recent defeat to Japan. The Welsh team’s promising start in the scrum rapidly deteriorated in the heat and humidity of Kitakyushu, exposing tactical vulnerabilities just as Wales looked to secure a long-awaited Test win.
Despite gaining early dominance in the scrum, Wales lost ground as the match wore on, facing a disciplined Japanese front-row—Yota Kamimori, Mamoru Harada, and Shuhei Takeuchi—who achieved the highly unusual feat of playing the full 80 minutes in punishing conditions. That resilience from Japan’s forwards proved crucial as Wales’ own pack lost its footing during the decisive final stages, contributing to their 18th consecutive Test defeat.
Now, attention turns to Kobe and Wales’ last fixture of the season, a game overshadowed by the spectre of an ongoing losing streak and the anticipated appointment of a new permanent head coach ahead of the autumn internationals. For Jones, a former Ospreys and Cardiff prop, this is only his second international campaign since transitioning to coaching, which presents both opportunities and growing pains.
Reflecting on the Kitakyushu defeat, Jones admitted to some frustration, acknowledging that he had not fully anticipated the Japanese tactics or detected key technical adjustments from the opposition. “It’s tough when you’re not out there in the thick of it—sometimes you miss the fine details,” he said, adding that the experience was a reminder of the step up from club to international rugby.
Jones, who started his coaching journey with Harlequins in 2018 and achieved a Premiership title with them in 2021, has been more actively analysing match footage and seeking feedback from referees and officials. His conversations this past week have centred on key scrum and lineout rulings that went against Wales, as well as questions over Japan’s bold decision to keep their front-row intact for an entire match.
Saturday’s game was refereed by Damian Schneider, an official relatively new to the Test arena, supported by assistants with significant Premiership experience. Wales’ coaching team has since requested clarification on several decisions, including a key obstruction call against Nicky Smith and what appeared to be unpenalised blocking by Japanese flanker Jack Cornelsen.
Jones was candid about the areas for improvement. He referenced one contentious penalty and an incident where Welsh number eight Toby Faletau was apparently held illegally by his opposite number, both of which stalled Welsh momentum. “We need to be more aggressive—not just seek clarity from referees, but make our own adjustments and get the mechanics right,” Jones asserted.
The test presented added challenges given Japan’s approach. Maintaining the same set of front-rowers throughout an 80-minute contest is virtually unheard of in modern rugby, and it complicated the usual pattern of tactical substitutions and mid-game adjustments. Jones observed that while Wales’ heavier forwards should have held an advantage, Japan’s technical acumen and endurance across their back five ultimately told.
Addressing the psychological impact of an extended losing streak, Jones acknowledged the temptation to dwell on refereeing decisions but advised his squad to maintain their focus on the process. “International rugby always gives you the next week—the next shot at getting it right. There’s no time to let frustration take root,” he said, emphasising that dwelling on setbacks only perpetuates negative cycles.
With one final opportunity to snap their losing run before the off-season, Jones and his fellow coaches are urging the players to channel their frustrations into preparation. The mood in camp, he noted, would intensify in the days leading up to the match in Kobe, with the squad determined to prove themselves before the slate is wiped clean for the autumn.
For Welsh rugby, this closing Test is more than a chance to end a dismal run; it’s an opportunity for new leadership—both on the field and in the coaching box—to signal a positive new direction. As Jones and the players regroup for a crucial last stand, all eyes will be on whether lessons learnt in defeat can serve as the foundation for future success.