Japan rally to beat Wales 24-19 in heat-soaked Kitakyushu
Jul 07, 2025In a gripping encounter under scorching summer heat in Kitakyushu, Japan staged a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Wales 24-19 in the first Test of their two-match series.
The Brave Blossoms, trailing by twelve points at the break, displayed impressive resilience and composure to overturn the deficit, handing Wales their eighteenth consecutive Test defeat.
The defining moment came in the 70th minute. After earning a penalty deep in Welsh territory, Japan kicked for the corner and set up a powerful lineout maul. From the resulting drive, replacement forward Halatoa Vailea crashed over the line for Japan’s third try. Lee’s conversion from the touchline gave Japan a 24-19 lead — their first of the match.
Wales pushed hard in the final ten minutes, but their efforts were consistently undone by unforced errors and an organized Japanese defence. A critical knock-on in the final play sealed their fate, as the hosts erupted in celebration of a historic win.
