Wales player ratings vs Japan: Losing run is over!

Saturday, 12 July 2025 at 09:06

byHarry Tovey

Wales player ratings following the end of their 18-match losing streak against Japan.

Wales ended their 18-match Test losing streak and secured their first international victory in 644 days with a hard-fought win over Japan in Kobe.

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The result leveled the series at 1-1 as the visitors held off a determined second-half comeback from Eddie Jones’ side in sweltering conditions under the closed roof of the Noevir Stadium.

A dominant first half saw Wales race to a 21-3 lead, powered by two tries from scrum-half Kieran Hardy and another from winger Josh Adams.

But just as they had done in their opening win in Kitakyushu, Japan surged back with second-half tries from Shuhei Takeuchi, Warner Deans, and Dylan Riley to cut the deficit to just two points.

However, debutant fly-half Dan Edwards sealed the victory with a crucial late try, capping off a 16-point performance and delivering a long-awaited moment of celebration for Wales after nearly two years without a win.

Scroll down for Wales’ player ratings.

Japan: 22

Tries: Shuhei Takeuchi (39’), Warner Dearns (58’), Dylan Riley (61’)
Conversions: Seungsin Lee (40’, 59’, 62’)
Penalties: Seungsin Lee (23’)
Yellow Card: Faulua Makisi (28’)

Wales: 31

Tries: Josh Adams (8’), Kieran Hardy (28’, 36’), Dan Edwards (74’)
Conversions: Dan Edwards (9’, 29’, 75’)
Penalties: Dan Edwards (48’)

Wales player ratings vs Japan:

15. Blair Murray – 7.5

Quiet last week but showed marked improvement. Made key early breaks, including one that led to a Josh Adams try with a classy offload.

14. Tom Rogers – 5.5

A quiet game with minimal impact. Struggled to match the influence of his fellow back three members.

13. Johnny Williams – 5.5

Offered some strong defensive moments but lacked any attacking spark. Replaced by Reuben Morgan-Williams.

12. Ben Thomas – 6.5

Had a hand in Blair Murray’s break with smart distribution. Played like a second fly-half and enjoyed one of his better games for Wales.

11. Josh Adams – 8

Scored early to calm Welsh nerves. Set up Kieran Hardy’s second with a smart change of line and offload. Missed a golden chance on 21 minutes and was subbed at halftime.

10. Dan Edwards – 8

Impressive first start. Intelligent kicking and offloading helped ignite the attack. Bounced back well from an early injury scare. Has put his hand up as the first-choice fly-half.

9. Kieran Hardy – 5

Scored a brace before halftime but made costly second-half mistakes. Question marks remain about his consistency at Test level.

Forwards

1. Nicky Smith – 6.5

High work rate and solid in both defence and attack. Struggled early at scrum time but improved. Limped off after 43 minutes.

2. Dewi Lake – 6

Wayward first throw, but generally accurate thereafter. Physical in defence but not at his usual dominant level. Replaced on the hour.

3. Archie Griffin – 7

Strong scrummaging display, troubling his opposite number and prompting a Japanese front row reshuffle before halftime. Also effective in defence.

4. Freddie Thomas – 6

Made a solid first start, particularly at the lineout. Replaced late in the game.

5. Teddy Williams – 6

Effective disruptor at lineout time and strong in defence. Finally tasted victory in a Welsh jersey after much anticipation.

6. Alex Mann – 6

Worked tirelessly at the breakdown. Gave away a soft penalty early in the second half and was later subbed.

7. Josh Macleod – 8

One of Wales’ standout performers. Strong in defence and carried well. Won key turnovers, including a penalty that pushed Wales three scores ahead.

8. Aaron Wainwright – 8

Big shoes to fill and he did so with aplomb. Set the tone with physicality early and was a constant threat in attack. A real leader in Faletau’s absence.