Wales host Japan at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, 15 November (kick-off 17:40 GMT) in the Autumn Nations Series, in a match that could have significant implications for their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign.
After ending their 18-match losing streak in Japan last summer, Wales are looking to maintain momentum under new head coach Steve Tandy, who began his tenure with a 52-28 defeat against Argentina in last weekend’s autumn opener. While flashes of attacking play were encouraging, the fixture against Japan is effectively a must-win for the Welsh side to retain confidence and climbing world rankings.
Avoiding a World Cup Group of Death
The next Rugby World Cup in Australia, 2027, will feature an expanded 24-team format with six groups of four teams, where the top two in each group progress to the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed sides.
Wales currently sit 12th in the world rankings, just above Japan at 13th. A victory would help Wales retain their position, while a loss could see the Brave Blossoms leapfrog them, potentially resulting in a difficult World Cup draw against teams like South Africa, Argentina, and Tonga.
“There’s lots around ranking points on this game, but ultimately we have to focus on ourselves and how we grow as a team,” said Tandy.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones, who suffered an early exit last time in charge of Australia, insists the focus is on the present.
“Every Test match counts. The next match is the most important game,” Jones said.
Key Players and Selection Decisions
Wales face selection challenges, with 12 players unavailable for the autumn finale against South Africa due to club commitments abroad. However, Tandy has retained key figures, including:
- Louis Rees-Zammit – wing
- Tomos Williams – scrum-half
- Nicky Smith – hooker
- Adam Beard – lock
- Dafydd Jenkins – back-row
One of the talking points is Ben Thomas, who avoided suspension for a controversial off-the-ball incident against Argentina. Thomas, now with Cardiff Rugby, has been a pivotal figure in attack, working alongside fly-half Dan Edwards and scrum-half Williams.
“Ben is a quality player and that’s the way we want to play,” Tandy said. “He’s provided that second pair of hands and vision that helps the team move.”
Another highlight is the retention of Blair Murray at full-back, praised by attack coach Matt Sherratt for his instinctive broken-field running and aerial skills.
Building Foundations Amid Disruption
Tandy and his management team have just two more games with the first-choice line-up before the squad is disrupted by United Rugby Championship fixtures and international obligations. Key forwards such as Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake, and Aaron Wainwright may leave Wales as contracts expire, adding uncertainty to squad continuity.
“It’s going to be a bit of a headache,” Tandy admitted. “We need to see real strides over the next two Saturdays before disruption grows in coming years.”
Despite these challenges, Wales remain determined to end their 10-Test losing streak at home and secure positive momentum ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Match Information
- Fixture: Wales vs Japan
- Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Kick-off: Saturday, 15 November, 17:40 GMT
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