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Well that was a battle but Wales showed real grit to come through in tough conditions against a team higher in the world rankings.

Seren Lockwood scored twice, either side of a try by hooker Kelsey Jones, but it was the defence that impressed most with a first clean sheet for almost eight years.

Alex Callender celebrated her 50th cap in a huge display by the Welsh pack in the second half.

But the result was tainted by what looks to be a serious leg injury to centre Freya Bell who will almost certainly miss next week's follow-up match in Kumagaya.

So join us again next Saturday for live coverage of the WXV.

Elinor Snowsill
Former Wales fly-half on BBC Radio Wales

Wales really needed that try before half time, there are still some concerns but at least they've given themselves a seven point buffer.

The coaches will be speaking about their discipline, they've got to get back on the right side for the ref, Kate Williams and Alex Callender have to try and talk to her.

Philippa Tuttiett
Former Wales international on BBC One Wales

From a Welsh perspective, they've got to be quicker at the breakdown, the Japanese team are straight in over the ball.

From Japan's perspective, they need to look to utilize their kicking game, they've got some fast players on the outside edge.

The half-back partnership of Seren Lockwood and Keira Bevan that stretched the South Africans has been restored and Nel Metcalfe, a livewire highlight at full-back in the 2025 World Cup, returns from injury on the wing.

Her sister Branwen packs down next to fellow bright prospect Jorja Aiono in a mobile second row, with the well-balanced trio of Alex Callender, Kate Williams and Georgia King in the back row.

Wales: Neumann; N Metcalfe, Cox, Bell, A Williams; Bevan, Lockwood; M Davies, K Jones, Tuipulotu, B Metcalfe, Aiono, K Williams (co-capt), Callender (co-capt), King.

Replacements: Reardon, Pyrs, E Jones, Crabb, G Evans, B Lewis, George, Keight.