Wales beat Japan 29-5 to complete WXV double despite late yellow cards

Wales beat Japan 29-5 in Kumagaya City to complete a two-match sweep and finish their WXV Global Series campaign with three victories from four games. Amy Williams scored twice as the visitors ran in five tries, then protected their lead despite ending the contest with two players in the sin bin, according to BBC Sport Wales.

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Nel Metcalfe opened the scoring after Wales capitalised on a loose Japanese goalline drop-out. Co-captain Alex Callender carried the ball back into attacking territory before Metcalfe finished out wide, with Lleucu George adding the conversion. Japan responded through hooker Moe Nagaoka, who scored from a maul during a period of pressure helped by Welsh penalties.

Wales regained control through their set piece. A George kick and a turnover won by Lisa Neumann helped create the platform for Kelsey Jones to score from a line-out, and George converted again. Williams added her first try after a strong Welsh maul and a pass from Seren Lockwood, giving the visitors a 19-5 advantage at half-time.

Japan's Jennifer Nduka was yellow-carded early in the second half following repeated infringements by the home side. Sisilia Tuipulotu then scored from close range to secure Wales' try bonus point. Williams completed her double after Callender moved the ball wide to Neumann, who supplied the final pass. Those two unconverted tries extended the lead to 29-5.

The closing stages tested Wales' discipline and defence. Replacement Keira Bevan was sent to the sin bin after Wales had received a warning, and Hannah Dallavalle followed for pulling hair. Japan pressed against 13 players but could not add to their score, with Callender making a crucial turnover. Head coach Sean Lynn praised the team's resilience afterwards, while co-captain Kate Williams identified discipline as an area still needing improvement.

Wales had won the first Test against Japan 17-0, and the second victory delivered their first back-to-back Test wins in more than two years. Their only Global Series defeat came against the United States. Players now return to their Premiership Women's Rugby and Celtic Challenge clubs before regrouping early next year for Six Nations preparations. Wales begin their 2027 campaign at home against world champions England.