Steve Tandy admitted his Wales side must become significantly more ruthless after they laboured to a 28-21 home victory over Japan in their Nations Championship opener on Saturday. Despite securing a bonus point by running in four tries, the hosts produced a below-par performance that kept the visitors in the contest throughout the encounter.
The victory marked Wales's third win in their last five outings, but head coach Tandy made no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction with the overall display. His side played their first international fixture since July, a factor the coach believed contributed to a clunky start and occasional lapses in concentration.
Wales went seven points ahead at various stages only to gift their opponents cheap opportunities through sloppy moments. Tandy praised the defensive improvements and the management of the game outside the 22, but stressed that higher standards are required moving forward.
Japan controlled sixty-two per cent of the possession and proved effective close to the line, yet struggled to capitalise on their entries into the Wales 22. Head coach Eddie Jones described the fixture as a missed opportunity for his young side to claim a historic victory.
Jones expressed pride in how his players stuck to their task despite failing to convert their territorial dominance into points. Japan now turn their attention to a fixture against England scheduled for 14 November.
Wales face a significantly tougher challenge next weekend when they host New Zealand, followed by a match against Australia. Tandy warned that his team cannot afford similar lapses in concentration against elite opposition.
In other Nations Championship action on Saturday, France secured a 54-17 victory over Fiji, though the win was overshadowed by a shoulder injury to fly-half Romain Ntamack. Meanwhile, South Africa delivered a dominant display in Turin, defeating an injury-hit Italy 66-7 after leading by six tries in the opening half.
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