**Wales Seek Redemption in Kobe as They Face Japan in Crucial Second Test**
Wales’ embattled national rugby side head to Kobe in Japan this Saturday, with their hopes pinned on halting a punishing sequence of defeats and salvaging pride on their summer tour. The squad, coached by Matt Sherratt, face a stern challenge in the Brave Blossoms, with both sides set to contest the second and final Test at the Noevir Stadium, a venue known for its stifling indoor conditions.
Last week, the Welsh team suffered a bitter blow in Kitakyushu when Japan overhauled a 12-point deficit to snatch a dramatic 24-19 win. For Wales, the pain of defeat extended beyond the scoreline—it marked their 18th consecutive winless result at Test level, a streak that threatens to set unwanted records amongst rugby’s elite nations.
Sherratt, looking to turn the tide, has rung the changes for this must-win encounter. Three new faces come into the pack: Aaron Wainwright, Freddie Thomas, and Archie Griffin replace Taulupe Faletau, Ben Carter, and Keiron Assiratti. In the backs, Dan Edwards earns his start at fly-half, as Sam Costelow moves to the replacements. Notably, the bench could see exciting Test debuts for Chris Coleman, Reuben Morgan-Williams, and Keelan Giles—a player whose first cap has been nine years in the making.
Despite the stadium’s closed roof shielding players from direct sunlight, the oppressive Japanese summer ensures the mercury stays firmly in the mid-30s Celsius. Both sides will therefore grapple with the heat as much as each other, with fitness and composure likely to play a key role as the contest unfolds from 6:50am, with live coverage available on S4C for supporters back home.
Japan, buoyed by their comeback victory, field a settled line-up with Michael Leitch captaining the team from the back row. Their side continues to blend the best of domestic talent with overseas influence—Dylan Riley and Shogo Nakano are expected to pose a stern midfield challenge. Meanwhile, running threats such as Kippei Ishida out wide and Seungsin Lee at fly-half will surely test the Welsh defence, which wilted under pressure late in the previous Test.
For Wales, much of the pre-match focus centres on the mental resilience of the squad. Speaking to media during the build-up, Sherratt highlighted the emotional stakes for his players: “They are desperate, absolutely desperate to do well for everybody back home. We’ve spent time reflecting on what it means to represent your nation and your family. It’s about balancing that passion with clear-headed rugby.”
The squad’s preparations have included motivational talks from high-profile Welsh sports figures—including Craig Bellamy and explorer Richard Parks—who reminded players of the honour of donning the red jersey and the immense respect Welsh rugby commands on the global stage. As Sherratt noted, their words left a lasting impression on the group, underscoring what is at stake in every minute of Saturday’s Test.
Amongst those hoping to make an impact is Keelan Giles, the talented winger who, after years of injury setbacks and near-misses, finally stands on the threshold of a long-awaited debut. It is a storyline that has resonated with fans eager to see a new generation step up amid the turmoil of recent seasons. His inclusion, even from the bench, points to the need for both fresh impetus and experienced cool heads if Wales are to finally snap their losing run.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the sense in both camps is that today’s match is about far more than 80 minutes of rugby. For Japan, it is another chance to assert their status against a Tier 1 nation, continuing their steady rise since hosting the World Cup. For Wales, though, it is a shot at redemption—a test not just of skill and fitness, but belief.
Whatever the outcome, Welsh rugby supporters will be hoping to see signs of progress and cohesion after a period of fierce scrutiny and public disappointment. Should Wales succeed, the victory will be celebrated not only as an end to unwanted records, but as a hard-earned step forward in restoring pride to the famous red jersey.