**Wales Gear Up for Decisive Clash Against Japan: How to Tune in and What to Expect**
Wales will be seeking to break a harrowing run of 18 consecutive Test losses as they prepare to face Japan in Kobe on Saturday, 12 July. The match, scheduled to kick off at 6:50am UK time, represents the second and concluding fixture of their summer tour, and could mark a critical turning point for interim head coach Matt Sherratt and his side.
Having last tasted victory against Georgia in the World Cup pool stages back in 2023, Wales have since struggled to find form on the international stage. Their most recent outing saw them surrender a 12-point half-time advantage to the Brave Blossoms in Kitakyushu, ultimately falling 24-19 in a result that typified their ongoing woes. The pressure is now on to halt the slide before they return to Cardiff for the autumn internationals later this year.
Sherratt has responded to previous disappointments by making several bold alterations to the squad. Notably, iconic back-rower Taulupe Faletau is absent from the matchday lineup due to heat-induced cramps, with Aaron Wainwright set to take his place at number eight. Taine Plumtree has been promoted to the bench to bolster the forward options.
Changes have also occurred elsewhere, as Freddie Thomas replaces injured lock Ben Carter and Bath’s Archie Griffin steps in for Keiron Assiratti. Meanwhile, in the back line, fly-half Dan Edwards has been handed his first start in Test rugby, with established playmaker Sam Costelow dropping out. Sherratt expressed confidence in his decision, stating, “Dan’s attitude and performance in training over recent weeks have been outstanding. He impressed during the Six Nations and deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities on this stage.”
Wales’ bench also promises excitement, with youngsters Reuben Morgan-Williams, Keelan Giles and Chris Coleman all in contention for their first international caps. This injection of fresh talent may well be a deliberate move to invigorate a side in need of new energy.
Supporters hoping to catch all the action from Noevir Stadium can tune into S4C for live television coverage. Additionally, the match will be available to stream through S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer, accessible via mobile and desktop devices, ensuring fans across the UK can follow the Test no matter their location.
Turning to the opposition, Japan will be fielding a robust lineup captained by Michael Leitch, with the home team seeking to build upon their recent momentum against the visitors. Their matchday 23 features a blend of domestic standouts and experienced campaigners, including the likes of Dylan Riley and Shogo Nakano in the midfield.
The match officials for the encounter will be led by referee Luke Pearce from England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU), supported by Karl Dickson and Damian Schneider as assistants, with Glenn Newman overseeing TMO duties. Such internationally respected officiating is expected to ensure a high standard of rugby and fair judgement throughout.
While both nations face their own pressures and ambitions, the outcome on Saturday will be particularly pivotal for Wales, who are desperate to restore pride and halt the sequence of negative results before the challenge intensifies in the autumn. With a reshuffled squad and new faces eager to make an impression, the match could prove a watershed moment or yet another setback for Welsh rugby.
As the clock counts down to kick-off, fans and neutrals alike will be watching intently to see whether Wales can overcome both internal and external pressures to emerge victorious, rekindling hopes for an overdue renaissance on the international rugby stage.