“It’s been a long time coming”- Matt Sherratt and Dewi Lake react to Wales’ triumph over Japan

Saturday, 12 July 2025 at 12:00

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byHarry Tovey

After a long and brutal 644 days Wales have ended their torrid run of 18 consecutive Test losses as they levelled the two-Test series against Japan in Kobe.

Despite building up a considerable lead where Kieran Hardy crossed twice and Josh Adams brilliantly raced over for a 21-3 lead. As the encounter continued in the heat and humidity of Noevir Stadium, Wales began to scramble.

concluded Lake.

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History was almost repeating itself as exactly how they fumbled under pressure in Kitakyushu Japan came back firing. Shuhei Takeuchi, Warner Deans and Dylan Riley brought the hosts back within two points heading into the final quarter.

Despite that this time around Matt Sherratt’s side ultimately finished the stronger as Dan Edwards’ decisive score six minutes from time secured Wales their first Test win in 19 matches.

“I’m over the moon, it’s been a long time coming,” passionately admitted captain Dewi Lake who was emotional as the final whistle blew.

“I look back at tough results we’ve had over the past 18 months, couple of one and two pointers.

“We were probably in the driving seat last week, and we let it slip, so to dig in and get the job done today is an amazing feeling.”

Wales’ last Test win came against Georgia at the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and this result will fill players with the confidence and has given Wales some joy after so long without.

“Very similar to Dewi, just more pleased for the playing group and the coaches and the staff,” added Sherratt.

“As I’ve said I’ve only seen four games of it, but the coaches who were here previously who aren’t on this trip they put so much effort in.

“The support staff they wear it as well, so probably the most emotional thing for me was when the whistle went and you could see in the support staff and this group of players what it meant to get a win.

“It was the reason why I did it again, to get it in that fashion in the second game, I’m just so pleased for the lads.”

Sherratt and the rest of the coaching staff will all head back to their respective clubs when they land back from the Far East on Monday, the WRU have still not appointed a successor for Warren Gatland but the Cardiff Rugby boss admitted that this win is the start of something.

“Today is the end of a long season, but for Welsh Rugby it’s got to be the start of something,” added Sherratt.

“So for the next (head coach) guy that comes in, the big motivation for the group to let whoever that is to start on a level playing field without a burden of 18 in a row around his neck.

“So that was a big motivation for me coming in.

“The work has got to be done now with the national coaches in the regions, so let’s get into the regions and really help develop a good young group of players.”

This result also means that Wales who dropped down to 14th in the World Rankings rise back up above both their hosts and Samoa to 12th which is massive for their 2027 Rugby World Cup chances.

“Yeah it’s huge,” added Lake.

“As Jockey (Sherratt) spoke about everyone has worked hard over the last four games but especially the last five weeks.

“The confidence that this will hopefully breed within this group will be huge for us going forward.

“Just a massive thank you to the coaches, Jockey that have built that confidence within the group over the last five weeks and allowed us to express ourselves on the field. That’s been a massive help,”