Wales player ratings vs Japan: Horrendous losing run continues
Rugby NewsSaturday, 05 July 2025 at 08:10
Wales player ratings vs Japan as the men in red’s losing run stretches to 18 matches in sweltering conditions.
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Wales were unable to keep their cool in the sweltering heat of Kitakyushu as Eddie Jones’ Japan recorded a hard fought 24-19 win. This result also means that Wales drop to 14th in the world rankings, a new record low for Welsh Rugby.
Tries from Ben Thomas, Tom Rogers and a penalty try was not enough as an inspired second half comeback from Japan saw them record just their second ever victory over Wales at Mikuni World Stadium.
Scroll down for Ruck Rugby’s Wales’ player ratings against Japan
Japan 24
- Tries: Matsunaga (16'), Nakakusu (59'), Vailea (70’)
- Cons: Matsunaga (17', 60',72')
- Pens: Lee (65')
Wales 19
- Tries: Thomas (4'), penalty try (20'), T Rogers (24'), Vailea (71')
- Cons: Costelow (6')
- Pens:
Wales player ratings vs Japan:
15. Blair Murray – 6
The fullback was one of four players which remained in the starting XV since the 68-14 defeat to England back in March.
He was one of the standouts from Wales’ Six Nations campaign, but had an uncharacteristic outing, something which hasn’t happened as an international for the fullback.
14. Tom Rogers – 5
The 26-year-old when needed in attack was great value, showed brilliant footwork and pace to score on 21 minutes.
At times wasn’t the best in defence, which resulted in him receiving a lower rating compared to his peers in the backline.
13. Johnny Williams – 5
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.
12. Ben Thomas – 6
He brilliantly crossed the whitewash early on to break the deadlock, and made a great try saving tackle to hold up Amato Fakatava on 27 minutes.
11. Josh Adams – 6.5
One of the more experienced players in the backline, was a complete nuisance on the outside where he was pressuring the back three of Japan’s defence.
Great under the high ball and was nearly awarded at the end of the first quarter with a try of his own, but other than that didn’t see much of the ball.
10. Sam Costelow – 5
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.
9. Kieran Hardy – 6.5
Kick out on the full on five minutes and it gave the hosts their first real attack of the game. A part from some slight hesitation, he kept the tempo up, and was always keeping the hosts’ defense honest when in attack, looking to quickly switch direction of play.
1. Nicky Smith – 6
The loosehead prop made some good carries to gain his side some metres in attack. Played his part when it came to scrum time being strong, something that was a massive improvement on from his last international outing. After winning his side a penalty he was replaced by Gareth Thomas early into the second half.
2. Dewi Lake – 7.5
Captaining Wales again, Lake’s lineout throws were accurate, also was great at pouncing on the loose ball. In defence as well worked extremely hard around the breakdown area winning numerous penalties, setting the standards expected as being the leader.
3. Keiron Assiratti – 5
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.
4. Ben Carter – N/A
Ben Carter who has missed the last two international campaigns due to injuries left the encounter this afternoon after only 30 seconds played. He was replaced by James Ratti after a collision with Japan’s inside centre, Shogo Nakano.
5. Teddy Williams – 6
Williams said in the lead up to the encounter that he’s never won in a Welsh jersey and wanted that feeling of winning. However, his wait goes on as the inspired second row was okay at lineout time and was used well when in attack.
6. Alex Mann – 6
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.
7. Josh Macleod – 6.5
t’s been a long road back to the international scene for Macleod, as he won just his third cap, and with Jac Morgan away due to the British and Irish Lions tour the 28-year-old stepped up. No shock that after the half an hour mark he also opted to take his scrum cap off due to the heat.
His work rate was solid and on 38 minutes superbly turned the ball over, but compared to his counterparts in the back row it was a quiet afternoon. He was replaced by Tommy Reffell on 57 minutes.
8. Taulupe Faletau – 8
Was vintage Faletau who took out three Japanese defenders and brilliantly offloaded for Ben Thomas to cross the whitewash early in the encounter.
The most experienced player on the pitch for the visitors was making some big hits and carries and was great value in defence as well. He limped off the pitch and was replaced prior to the hour mark by Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
16. Liam Belcher – 5
17. Gareth Thomas – 6
18. Archie Griffin – 6.5
19. James Ratti – 6
20. Aaron Wainwright – 6
21. Tommy Reffell – 5
22. Rhodri Williams –
23. Joe Roberts – 5
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