Welsh hooker Dewi Lake broke down in tears in the final moments as his side finally ended their 18-match Test losing streak in Japan. Wales held on for a first international victory in 644 days, winning 31-22 at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe.
However, after building a 21-3 lead, things again seemed to be unraveling for the visitors as the hosts fought back from 24-10 to trail just 24-22 late on. Outside half Dan Edwards calmed nerves in the closing moments though, cutting over to score before converting his own try to make the game safe. It all proved too much for Lake, who by that point had been replaced.
The 26-year-old appeared to be in tears before putting a towel over his face. He was emotional again at the final whistle, as was interim coach Matt Sherratt after tasting his victory in his five games in charge.
Following the 24-19 defeat in Kitakyushu last Saturday, Wales kicked-off just one deferat away from an unwanted record. Another loss would have seen them surpass the tier one record of 19 international losses, set by france between 1911 and 1920.
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