Wales held its 19-7 halftime lead until the start of the last quarter when Japan hatched tries by uncapped backs Ichigo Hakasusu and Halatoa Vailea — both converted from wide out by Seungsin Lee — and led a scrappy match for the first time from the 70th minute.

More misery was heaped onto Welsh rugby on Saturday as they lost the first of two tests in Japan for an 18th successive defeat, leaving them ruing missed chances to secure a first win in 18 months. Th