Wales' hard-fought victory over Japan has sparked jubilant celebrations, but behind the scenes, Steve Tandy's team is facing a stark reality. The Welsh head coach, in his second game at the helm, acknowledges that his side still have a long way to go to reach their full potential.
The win, secured by fly-half Jarrod Evans' penalty kick in the 80th minute, was Wales' first against Japan since 1953 and marked a top-12 place in the world rankings. However, Tandy is not getting carried away. He has made it clear that his team's performance levels need to improve significantly.
Wales were pedestrian in attack and lacked discipline, as evident from Josh Adams' red card for a dangerous clearout. The hosts also struggled with their kicking game, conceding several sloppy penalties from kick-offs.
Despite these issues, Tandy is optimistic about the future of Welsh rugby. He has praised the performances of certain individuals, such as Olly Cracknell and Alex Mann, who showed glimpses of brilliance in their respective positions.
However, the team's overall performance was not enough to convince Jones, Japan's head coach, that Wales are ready for the top table of world rugby. "It is damage limitation over the next two weeks," he warned. "The boys are going to have to show some character."
Wales' next challenge comes in the form of New Zealand, who arrive in Cardiff smarting from a defeat against England at Twickenham. The All Blacks will aim to finish their season on a winning note, while Wales will chase a first victory against the Kiwis since 1953.
Unless Wales can achieve the unthinkable and beat the All Blacks for the first time in 72 years, Tandy's team will have to content themselves with being among the also-rans. The real question is whether they can put together a consistent performance over the next two weeks and make a meaningful push for the top spot.
For now, though, the celebrations will continue. Jarrod Evans' clutch penalty kick has given Wales a much-needed confidence boost, and there's a sense that this could be the start of something special. But Tandy knows that the hard work is just beginning.
The win, secured by fly-half Jarrod Evans' penalty kick in the 80th minute, was Wales' first against Japan since 1953 and marked a top-12 place in the world rankings. However, Tandy is not getting carried away. He has made it clear that his team's performance levels need to improve significantly.
Wales were pedestrian in attack and lacked discipline, as evident from Josh Adams' red card for a dangerous clearout. The hosts also struggled with their kicking game, conceding several sloppy penalties from kick-offs.
Despite these issues, Tandy is optimistic about the future of Welsh rugby. He has praised the performances of certain individuals, such as Olly Cracknell and Alex Mann, who showed glimpses of brilliance in their respective positions.
However, the team's overall performance was not enough to convince Jones, Japan's head coach, that Wales are ready for the top table of world rugby. "It is damage limitation over the next two weeks," he warned. "The boys are going to have to show some character."
Wales' next challenge comes in the form of New Zealand, who arrive in Cardiff smarting from a defeat against England at Twickenham. The All Blacks will aim to finish their season on a winning note, while Wales will chase a first victory against the Kiwis since 1953.
Unless Wales can achieve the unthinkable and beat the All Blacks for the first time in 72 years, Tandy's team will have to content themselves with being among the also-rans. The real question is whether they can put together a consistent performance over the next two weeks and make a meaningful push for the top spot.
For now, though, the celebrations will continue. Jarrod Evans' clutch penalty kick has given Wales a much-needed confidence boost, and there's a sense that this could be the start of something special. But Tandy knows that the hard work is just beginning.
. they've got some talented players like evans and mann, but they need to figure out how to play together as a unit. it's not just about individual brilliance, it's about cohesion and communication on the pitch 
. and yeah, japan was a decent win, but beating new zealand would be a huge step forward 
OMG NO! Wales can't beat Japan now it's too late! 
Meanwhile, New Zealand just flexed their muscles... and Wales are still trying to get out of bed 
. Wales can't keep relying on individual brilliance 
. Need consistency & team effort, stat! 
. i love jarrod evans' clutch kick tho, he's the real deal! 
and let's not forget olly cracknell and alex mann putting in the work too 
. but seriously though, those two weeks against new zealand are gonna be make or break for wales... if they can't step up their game and show some consistency, they're done 
. fingers crossed tho, this could be a special team! 
and josh adams red card? crazy 
it's defo a confidence booster for the team 
but hey, a win is a win and it's awesome to see wales back in form 
and it's awesome to see Wales finally breaking their barrier against Japan since 1953 
... it's gonna be a tough one 
they defo need to step up their game esp in defence 
idk what josh adams was thinkin' with that red card lol 
& it's defo given 'em a confidence boost now lets see if they can carry that thru to the next game against new zealand 
They totally deserved that win against Japan! Jarrod Evans' penalty kick was EVERYTHING 
BUT I'm SO here 4 the underdog story!! Wales vs NZ is gonna be EPIC 
.
Tandy's right, they can't get too carried away with one win, especially against a team like Japan. I mean, we've been seeing this "win and suddenly you're top 12" thing happen before...it usually ends in disappointment 
. And yeah, the kicking game is just laughable right now...you can't just rely on penalties to get you through games. Gotta work on that ASAP. 
. Still, Evans' confidence boost is all we need right now 
. Fingers crossed for Wales! 
like beauden barrett and sonny bill but at the same time jarrod evans was pure clutch