Summer Tour Second Test: Japan v Wales

Venue: Noevir (Misaki Park) Stadium, Kobe Date: Saturday, 12 July Kick-off: 06:50 BST

Coverage: Watch live on S4C and BBC iPlayer; listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app.

Wales are set to conclude their challenging season in Kobe this Saturday, aiming for their first Test victory in 644 days. The team faces Japan's Brave Blossoms under the closed roof of Noevir Stadium, seeking redemption after last weekend's narrow 24-19 defeat in Kitakyushu, where they led 19-7 with just 20 minutes remaining.

This match marks Wales' 18th consecutive defeat, with their last victory dating back to October 2023 against Georgia in the World Cup. A loss here would set a new record for the longest losing streak by a tier one nation, surpassing France's 1911-1920 sequence.

Under the leadership of captain Michael Leitch, Japan is poised to make history by securing back-to-back wins against a tier one nation for the first time and achieving a 2-0 series win against Wales.

Where is the Match Being Played?

The game is hosted at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe, also known as the Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium. This venue is the home ground for J1 League football club Vissel Kobe and the rugby union side Kobelco Kobe Steelers. Originally opened in 1970, the stadium was renovated in 2001 to include a removable roof and increased seating capacity, now accommodating 30,132 spectators. It also hosted four group games during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Weather Conditions

The retractable roof will be closed this weekend, creating humid conditions that will test both teams. Last week's game was played in 31C heat with high humidity, complicating ball-handling. Saturday's forecast predicts even hotter conditions, with the game effectively being played indoors, further increasing humidity.

Team News

Japan's coach Eddie Jones has selected an inexperienced lineup, with four starters earning their second caps and four uncapped players on the bench. Scrum-half Naoto Saito returns to the starting lineup, replacing Shinobu Fujiwara. Backs Ichigo Nakakusu and Halatoa Vailea, who scored on their debuts last week, are also in the starting side.

Wales' interim head coach Matt Sherratt has made four changes to the starting lineup. Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards gets his first international start, replacing Sam Costelow. Number eight Aaron Wainwright steps in for Taulupe Faletau, who is recovering from heat-related cramps. Gloucester's Freddie Thomas replaces Ben Carter at lock, and Bath's Archie Griffin takes over at tight-head prop.

How to Follow the Game

You can watch the game live on S4C and BBC iPlayer or listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC Sounds. Live text commentary will be available on the BBC Sport website and app, with post-match analysis and reaction also provided.