Wounded Wales searching for ‘huge’ win over Japan

The Welsh go into the primary of two away video games towards Japan having misplaced their final 17 Tests a file for a Tier One nation within the skilled period.

Conditions are prone to be difficult in steamy Kitakyushu, with temperatures anticipated to achieve 32 Celsius and humidity making the ball slippery.

But Sherratt, who has returned as caretaker head coach for the tour, believes a win over Eddie Jones’s Japan may be “the start of something” for the wounded Welsh.

“It’s massive,” Sherratt stated after naming his workforce with hooker Dewi Lake as captain.

“I spoke to the gamers earlier than we got here away and I questioned what their motivation was and why they have been coming right here.

“The short answer was that they want to win for Wales.”

Flanker Josh Macleod returns for his first recreation since 2022, successful his third cap beginning within the again row alongside Alex Mann and Taulupe Faletau.

Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell have been named on the bench.

Fly-half Sam Costelow and lock Ben Carter additionally return to the beginning line-up after lacking the Six Nations via damage.

Kieran Hardy makes his first appearancve of the season at scrum-half whereas centre Johnny Williams returns for the primary time because the 2023 World Cup.

Sherratt stated Wales had “done everything we can to prepare” for the recent circumstances, together with coaching in warmth chambers earlier than travelling to Japan.

“It’s not the heat, it’s the ball it’s very difficult to keep the ball dry,” he stated.

“It’s probably going to be a game on TV where the conditions look perfect, but for the players, the ball’s really greasy. It tests your skill set.”

Wales have been welcomed by followers within the southwestern metropolis of Kitakyushu, the place they have been based mostly in the course of the 2019 World Cup.

“In 2019, there was a real affinity and connection between the Japanese people and Welsh team and that has certainly lasted until now,” stated Sherratt.

“We’re really hoping that we’ve got some Japanese fans cheering for Wales on Saturday.”

Wales :

Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Taulupe Faletau, Josh Macleod, Alex Mann; Teddy Williams, Ben Carter; Keiron Assiratti, Dewi Lake , Nicky Smith.

Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Joe Roberts.

amk/dh

This article was generated from an automatic information company feed with out modifications to textual content.

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