Wales End Home Losing Streak but Performance Raises Questions

Local TV Sport

Wales finally ended a 10-Test losing streak at the Principality Stadium with a dramatic 24–23 win over Japan, but the manner of the victory left plenty of cause for concern.  While the result was ultimately positive, the overall performance highlighted significant issues that Wales will need to address ahead of tougher fixtures against New Zealand and South Africa.

Transcript

00:00Wales finally ended a 10-test losing streak at the Principality Stadium

00:06with a dramatic 24-23 win over Japan.

00:10But the matter of the victory left plenty for cause of concern.

00:14Under new head coach Steve Tandy, the team showed resilience and character

00:17to snatch Alaska's victory, thanks to a pressure penalty from fly-half Jared Evans in the 79th minute.

00:23While the result was positive, the overall performance highlighted significant issues

00:30that Wales will need to address ahead of tougher fixtures against New Zealand and South Africa.

00:38The match was far from comfortable for the hosts.

00:42Wales looked flat for large periods and only managed to regain momentum in the closing stages.

00:49Evans' decisive penalty came after a patient build-up downfield

00:51and a wide penalty opportunity, showcasing his composure under pressure.

00:57His kick prevented Wales from suffering the ignominy of his first ever home defeat to Japan

01:02and preserved a morale-boosting win.

01:06Individually, there were some bright spots.

01:08No. 8 Olly Cracknell led Wales in 13 carries and topped the tackles chart with 24

01:14and putting in a strong all-round performance.

01:17Back row team-mate Alex Mann stepped into Jack Morgan's shoes,

01:20impressed with work-rate, making 20 tackles, winning two turnovers

01:24and energising the closing stages of the match.

01:28However, there remains concerns in the middle.

01:30Thomas and Lewin have yet to translate their club form into consistent international impact,

01:36limiting Wales' attacking cohesion.

01:39Combinations are still betting in.

01:40Ultimately, the win was a relief rather than a statement.

01:49Wales showed grit and managed to secure victory when it mattered,

01:52ending a long-standing home hoodoo.

01:54But inconsistencies remain across the pitch.

01:57If similar performances continue against world-class opponents,

02:01the scoreline could be unflattering.

02:03Nevertheless, Tandy's side now has to perform to build on

02:07and resilience shown against Japan offers hope that improvements are now possible.

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