Japan Edges Wales in Thrilling Comeback Victory in First Test Match

In Kitakyushu, Japan, the Japanese national rugby team secured a 24-19 victory against Wales in the initial match of their two-test series. The game, played on Saturday, saw debutants Ichigo Nakakusu and Halatoa Vailea score crucial tries in the second half. Flyhalf Lee Seung Sin's flawless kicking performance proved instrumental in the win.

The match was marked by numerous errors from both teams. Despite trailing 19-7 at halftime, Japan mounted a comeback to secure the victory. The game took place at the Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, amidst high temperatures.

Japan's head coach, Eddie Jones, fielded a team with a significant number of inexperienced players, including eight uncapped players and several others with limited international experience. Wales, also with a young squad, aimed to break a lengthy losing streak.

Early in the game, Wales suffered a setback when lock Ben Carter was injured. Wales then scored the first points of the match, with Ben Thomas touching down and Sam Costelow adding the conversion. Japan responded with a try from Takuro Matsunaga, converted by Lee, tying the score.

Nakakusu, who had come on as a replacement, was sent to the sin bin after conceding a penalty try. Wales extended their lead with a try by Tom Rogers. In the second half, Nakakusu scored a try, followed by a penalty from Lee, narrowing the gap. Vailea then scored a try, with Lee's conversion giving Japan the lead. The final score was 24-19. The second test will be played on July 12 at Noevir Stadium Kobe.