After losing the opening game in Kitakyushu 24-19 last weekend, interim head coach Matt Sherratt made four changes to his starting XV. Among those changes were Aaron Wainwright, who shone at number eight, and Edwards, making his first start for Wales at outside half.
There were also three new caps off the bench, all of whom played their part. Wing Keelan Giles was a half-time replacement for Josh Adams, Chris Coleman came on at tight head prop, whilst Reuben Morgan-Williams took over from injured Scarlets centre Johnny Williams.
Wales had built up a 21-3 lead thanks to a quick start. Scarlets full back Blair Murray setting up Adams to score within the first ten minutes, before two tries from scrum-half Kieran Hardy put Sherrett’s side in the ascendancy.
The first saw Hardy go over from close-range after repeated ill-discipline from Japan, with number eight Faulua Makisi departing to the sin bin, before a fine flowing move saw the Ospreys scrum-half interchange with Adams to make the most of the extra man to collect his double.
But much like the first test against Eddie Jones’ side seven days ago, Japan threatened an upset once again with the sweltering temperatures topping 32C and a 67% outside humidity kicking in around the closed roof Noevir Stadium.
Just as they did in their win in Kitakyushu last weekend, Japan rallied, with tries from replacement prop Shuhei Takeuchi, lock Warner Deans, and centre Dylan Riley bringing the hosts to within two points.
But it would be a different story this weekend as Edwards’ try would level the series and seal a deserved win for Wales for the first time in 21 months.
For many of the side it was their first taste of success in a Welsh shirt, and it provided Sherratt with his first triumph in his fifth game in charge.
After a testing season, Wales can now head home with one monkey off their shoulder and prepare for a decider against Japan when the two sides meet in the second game of the Autumn Nations Series in Cardiff on 15 November.
Wales XV:
Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams, Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy
Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (captain), Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Chris Coleman, James Ratti, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Keelan Giles.
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
