Five Wales players who flopped against Japan - and who should replace them

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Despite a promising first half in scorching conditions — with tries from Ben Thomas, Tom Rogers, and a penalty try — Wales were ultimately undone by a scrappy, error-filled performance. Japan capitalized in the final 20 minutes, with Ichigo Nakakusu and Halatoa Vailea crossing to seal a dramatic comeback win for the hosts.

Matt Sherratt’s side now faces serious questions after yet another painful defeat.
Here are five changes Wales must consider to finally break their losing run.

RUCK 5/10: "Costelow who missed the 2025 Six Nations due to a fractured collarbone, made his return on the international scene, and it wasn’t the best of returns as some of the kicking in hand was questionable In attack he offered a safe pair of hands and was decent at spotting gaps in behind of the hosts’ defence and in defence was decent."

Wales Online 4/10: "Tends to be a player who attracts a lot of criticism, as most Welsh 10s do. Was solid for the most part, but Wales clearly relied too heavily on the boot in these conditions."

Replacement: Dan Edwards

RUCK 5/10: "Assiratti in his last international outing had to make an impact off the bench, but this afternoon he did so from the off. Along with his teammates in the front row was decent but on the odd occasion was guilty of not driving straight at scrum time and was replaced on 50 minutes."

Wales Online 3/10: "Few issues at the scrum after a strong start."

Replacement: Archie Griffin

Wales Online 5/10: "Waited a long time for this. Tackled like a man who has been eager for a Test recall for three years. Some good breakdown work, including one penalty late in the first half. Perhaps a bit overeager at times in the second-half, with one offload nearly gifting Japan a try."

Replacement: Tommy Reffell

Wales Online 4/10: "First start for Wales in the 13 jersey after nearly two years away from Test rugby. Caught narrow too often, including for both Japan tries."

RUCK 5/10: "Williams played his first international since September 2023, and was playing out of his preferred position of 12 with his previous seven caps being all at inside centre. He started slowly but showed some great handling as the game progressed, especially when he quickly offloaded to Rogers to score."

RUCK 6/10: "Mann who made his debut in last year’s Six Nations, has had a torrid season which began with a back injury, but in recent times the momentum he has been building was carried into his first international game back. Great value around the park for the whole 80 minutes in both defence and attack, whilst doing a lot of the unseen work around the breakdown."

Wales Online 5/10: "Tackled everything to begin with. Penalties crept up as he was asked to go the full 80. Emptied the tank though in a losing effort"

Replacement: Aaron Wainwright

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