Adams double helps Wales hold off Japan for 28-21 bonus-point win

Wales beat Japan 28-21 in Cardiff to collect a Nations Championship bonus point, with Josh Adams scoring twice in a match that remained unsettled until the closing stages. BBC Sport's match report said the hosts survived a late Japanese response at the Principality Stadium after leading 21-14 at half-time.

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Archie Griffin and Louis Rees-Zammit also crossed for Wales, while Ben Gunter and Warner Dearns supplied Japan's first-half tries. Griffin's score was his first at Test level. Sam Costelow kicked three conversions for the home side and Dan Edwards added another, ensuring all four Welsh tries were converted.

Adams completed his double after a counterattack involving Blair Murray and Tomos Williams. Japan then reduced the deficit to seven points through replacement scrum-half Kenta Fukuda, earning a losing bonus point. Adams subsequently won a turnover penalty as Wales protected their advantage through the final exchanges.

The result left captain Dewi Lake dissatisfied despite the victory. In BBC Sport's separate post-match report, Lake said Wales had not delivered on commitments made during their preparations in camp. He nevertheless stressed the value of winning for a squad rebuilding confidence and trust after a period that included 18 consecutive Test defeats.

Lake warned that aspects of the performance would not be sufficient against the opponents still to come this month. Wales remained fifth in the northern hemisphere table, with two wins from four championship matches. New Zealand are due in Cardiff next Saturday, followed by Australia at the Principality Stadium on 21 November.

Head coach Steve Tandy also expressed disappointment, telling the BBC that promising breaks had not been matched by enough efficiency in attack. Japan coach Eddie Jones, meanwhile, viewed the match as a missed chance for a first victory over Wales in Cardiff and said his young side had failed to convert important opportunities.

BBC Sport recorded six lost Welsh line-outs, alongside handling mistakes and penalties that helped Japan remain competitive. Rees-Zammit was named player of the match, with his early running helping create the platform for Griffin's opening try.