Wales player ratings: Wales secure second win of 2026 Nations Championship with a 28-21 victory Japan in a contest that could deteriorate without decisive contributions from several key players.
Jac Morgan, Nicky Smith and Alex Mann all grabbed crucial jackals as the Brave Blossoms edged closer to the try line, while Louis Rees-Zammit turned in one of his best performances since returning to rugby union.
1. Nicky Smith – 8.5
Most won’t remember it in a few days, but Nicky Smith’s turn just meters from his try area was as crucial as any try scored on the night, with the prop identifying the right moment to prevent his side from leveling at half-time. A stellar performer when fighting his front row partners, Smith was a voracious force of nature, taking the fight to Japan.
2. Jezero Boginje – 7
He missed the target by three lines, but his determination and leadership were again crucial in keeping Wales afloat when Japan looked to control the game. He battled hard with the kick and the breakdown and, despite being penalized twice for slowing the ball down, saved his side with a sensational jackal just meters from his try line.
3. Archie Griffin – 8
He crashed over the line to put Wales in front and did well. He conceded a penalty in the opening 20 minutes but quickly bounced back, using his body well to win the gain line on all four carries.
4. Dafydd Jenkins – 7
He made 14 successful moves, two of which denied Japan from crossing the line, and led the rider from the front while helping the Welsh runners whenever he could.
5. Ben Carter – 7
Ben Carter was an immovable object for Japan, holding two opposition players when they tried to take advantage. Great effort in a tough fight, well pressing Brave Blossoms attack.
6. Alex Mann – 8
One of the most underrated operators in the Welsh team, Alex Mann was key for Wales throughout the contest, not only stopping several Japanese sprints in their tracks, but also setting up several tricky moves from the line.
7. Jac Morgan – 8.5
At times it looked like Wales were playing two Jac Morgans as the winger was quick to get back into the fray and help his side as much as he could. Morgan’s positive aggression energized the Welsh defense whenever Japan threatened inside the 22, and the flankers were quick to clean up any mistakes his team-mates made. He finished as the match’s leading scorer with 20, further underscoring his reputation as one of the best players in the game.
8. Aaron Wainwright – 6.5
On the few occasions when he did find space, Wainwright carried like a wrecking ball, holding off attackers and giving Wales a stronger platform to attack. However, those moments were the exception rather than the rule, as the number 8 looked slower than his fellow back rowers. Accurate in his tackle attempts.
9. Tomas Williams – 6
He looked disjointed at times, particularly when forced to rush the ruck, losing possession twice at key moments, including the one that led to Japan scoring a second try. Looked a little sluggish in injecting speed in phases, especially when Wales were close to the try line. One of the few positives was his shooting game from the backpack, which pressed the opponent well.
10. Sam Costelow – 7
Costelow’s partnership with Tomos Williams was not at its best, but the scrum-half still provided good ball to his backline and combined well with Blair Murray. Unfortunately, he was unable to engage more as a carry option as Japan closed down the channels around him and forced the Welshman to resort to long passes and crosses to keep the attack alive.
11. Josh Adams – 6.5
He could have done more in the build-up to Japan’s inaugural try but bounced back straight away to help Wales earn a 28-21 victory with two goals of his own. He popped up when it mattered most, breathing life into the hosts as Japan edged closer to a comeback. He ended the game on a sour note, however, as Japan’s whore Kenji Sato easily rounded him to assist Japan’s third try.
12. Max Llewellyn – 7
He was primarily focused on linking up with Blair Murray and defending the mid-channel, with few opportunities to shine individually. Although his performance was not spectacular, he remained a key cog in Wales’ victory.
13. Eddie James – 8
Brutal. There is no better word to describe Eddie James’ performance. The Welsh center was a formidable weapon of destruction, parrying defenders and setting up several key moves to help his side find the white paint. He produced some of the best fights in the game, putting every ounce of his body into the contest.
14. Louis Rees-Zammit – 10
Back to your best. He made a brilliant sprint from his own 22, dodging tackles left and right in a game that ended with Wales celebrating their first try, before sending off Josh Adams who scored his side’s second. From sensational strikes from 60 meters to finishing his own try, Rees-Zammit was a threat that Japan could not contain and was deserving man of the match.
15. Blair Murray – 8
Dangerous when Japan least expected it, Blair Murray worked like a cork when the Welsh dam seemed about to burst. He controlled the game well from the back, recycling Japan’s long shots as he tried to assist Josh Adams on the wing. He was instrumental in unlocking his side’s fourth try, finding space before passing to Jac Morgan.
SUBSTITUTIONS – 6
Rhys Carré and Teddy Williams entered the fray with real dynamism, giving Wales a much-needed boost, especially when Japan applied a lot of pressure to level the game. James Botham came on a little too late, as the winger may have added another dimension to the back row.