The upcoming fixture at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium marks the final outing of the calendar year for the Welsh side. Lynn is expected to finalise and announce his team selection for the encounter at 08:00 GMT on Thursday morning.

Although Wales managed to secure a 17-0 victory over Japan in Tokyo last weekend, Lynn expressed reservations regarding the overall performance. He specifically highlighted a lack of what he described as "ball toughness" throughout the duration of the contest.

The head coach noted that the impact of the bench proved decisive in securing the result last weekend. Experienced campaigners, including Gwenllian Pyrs, Bethan Lewis, Gwen Crabb, Lleucu George, and Georgia Evans, were instrumental in closing out the game.

Reflecting on his selection philosophy, Lynn emphasised the necessity of maintaining a highly competitive environment within the squad. He currently has 30 players available for selection, all of whom are proving eager to secure a place in the side.

"When players take opportunities, we've got to reward that," Lynn stated regarding his selection process. "I want us to have a competitive squad and we've got 30 players here who are really champing at the bit. Nobody will own this jersey."

A victory on Saturday would represent a successful WXV campaign for Wales, potentially resulting in three wins from four matches. The team has already recorded notable victories against South Africa and Japan earlier in the international series.

Lynn highlighted the vital importance of consistency, noting that the squad must demonstrate their capabilities across consecutive training days and match performances. He expressed significant satisfaction with the intensity shown during training sessions held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"It's huge for us. Everybody in the environment wants to be winning," Lynn added. "It's about backing it up Saturday to Saturday, backing it up in training and everything we're doing. If we can get this result, it will be successful."

Beyond the immediate objective of winning the WXV Test, Lynn is focused on building long-term momentum ahead of the 2027 Women's Six Nations. Wales are aiming to improve their standing after a challenging period in the championship.

The team has not secured a victory in the Six Nations since defeating Italy in the final round of the 2024 tournament. Their next campaign is set to begin with a challenging home fixture against England at the start of 2027.

Wales have shown clear signs of progress throughout 2026, a transformation that was kick-started by a friendly victory over the Barbarians. These results have contributed to the team gradually climbing the world rankings, where they currently sit 11th.

When asked if he believes Wales are regaining recognition from international opponents, Lynn expressed confidence in his team's upward trajectory. He pointed to a narrow two-point margin against the USA as evidence of their growing competitiveness on the world stage.

"I definitely do," Lynn said regarding whether other nations are taking notice of Wales. "If we're only within two points against a side like USA, who have gone five wins, I think sides should be looking at Wales right now."

The upcoming match against Japan will be broadcast live on the BBC Sport website and app, with audio commentary available on BBC Radio Wales Extra and BBC Radio Cymru for supporters following the action from across the globe.

The injury occurred in the 53rd minute of the match held at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium. Bell, who recently celebrated her 21st birthday, was forced to leave the field on a stretcher after landing awkwardly during a defensive tackle.

Wales successfully navigated the opening fixture of the series, securing a 17-0 victory. Despite the positive result, the loss of Bell is a significant setback for the squad as they prepare for the final international match of 2026.

The Welsh Rugby Union stated that Bell is currently awaiting the results of a medical scan. The full extent of the injury will be assessed by the medical staff once the squad returns to Wales following the conclusion of the tour.

Bell will remain with the touring party in Japan for the remainder of the trip. She is scheduled to fly back to the United Kingdom with the rest of the squad this coming Sunday after the second Test is completed.

The second match between Japan and Wales is scheduled for this Saturday, 31 October, at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Saitama Prefecture. The fixture is set to kick off at 07:00 GMT, marking the final international outing for Wales.

Since making her senior international debut against England during the 2026 Six Nations tournament, Bell has become an increasingly important figure in the Welsh midfield. Her absence will force a tactical reshuffle for the coaching staff this weekend.

The WXV Global Series remains a vital component of the international women's rugby calendar. Wales will be looking to maintain the defensive momentum established in the first Test despite the unfortunate injury news regarding their starting centre.

Fans can follow the action from Kumagaya live via various BBC Sport platforms. Coverage includes live streaming on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, alongside audio commentary provided on BBC Radio Wales Extra and BBC Radio Cymru for listeners.

The Welsh squad remains focused on finishing their international campaign on a high note. Head coach Lynn will be expected to confirm the replacement for the vacant centre position in the starting lineup later in the week ahead.

The Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium hosted a physical encounter last Saturday, with both sides testing their defensive structures. Wales managed to keep a clean sheet, providing a solid foundation for their 17-point victory in the first Test match.

Kumagaya Rugby Stadium is a familiar venue for international rugby, having previously hosted matches during the 2019 Men's Rugby World Cup. The surface is expected to provide a fast track for Saturday's concluding Test match of the series.

The Sakura Fifteen, as the Japan women's national team is known, will be eager to bounce back after being held scoreless in the first outing. They will likely look to exploit any gaps in the Welsh defensive line.

Wales' performance in the 2026 Six Nations provided a platform for their current development. The coaching staff has been keen to blood new talent, with several players having made their international debuts under the current management this year.

The injury to Bell is the latest in a series of challenges for the Welsh squad during this tour. Managing player welfare remains a high priority for the WRU medical team throughout the duration of the international window.

As the squad prepares for the final push in Kumagaya, the focus remains on maintaining tactical discipline. The team will aim to replicate the defensive intensity shown in Tokyo to secure a series victory on Japanese soil this weekend.

The upcoming match represents the final opportunity for the players to impress before the end of the calendar year. Selection for future squads will be heavily influenced by the performances and resilience shown in this two-match series.

The WRU has confirmed that no further updates regarding Bell's specific condition will be provided until the scan results are fully reviewed. The immediate priority remains the player's recovery and her safe return to the United Kingdom.

Supporters will be watching closely to see how the Welsh backline adapts to the forced change. The depth of the squad will be tested as they look to overcome the absence of a key playmaker in the midfield.

With the conclusion of this Test, the international season for the Welsh women's team will draw to a close. The focus will then shift toward the domestic season and preparation for the following year's fixtures and international commitments.