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 early on, things again seemed to be unraveling for the visitors as the Brave Blossoms fought back from 24-10 to trail just 24-22 in the final quarter. 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 crying on the sideline before putting a towel over his face to wipe the tears. He was emotional again at the final whistle, as was interim coach Matt Sherratt after tasting his first victory in his five games in charge.

Following the 24-19 defeat in Kitakyushu last Saturday, Wales kicked-off just one poor result away from an unwanted record. Another loss would have seen them surpass the tier one marker of 19 straight international defeats, set by France between 1911 and 1920.

Like last Saturday, it was the Dragons who dominated the opening 40 minutes. Winger Josh Adams opened the scoring and a brace from scrum half Kieran Hardy opened up a 21-3 lead, but Eddie Jones' man rallied just before the break as prop Shukei Taakuechi barged over.

Despite an Edwards penalty in the second half, further home scores from lock Warner Deans and centre Dylan Riley set up an agonising finish. But just as another painful loss from a winning position looked inevitable for the Dragons, it was Edwards who rounded off a flowing move to spark the celebrations.

Wales last recorded an international win when they beat Georgia in the World Cup in Nantes in October 2023. The WRU now have the task of naming Warren Gatland's permanent successor before the Autumn International campaign in October.

Sherratt has had the benefit of being able to take a nigh-on full strength squad to Japan. Only Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams were called up for British and Irish Lions duty, the first time in the professional era Wales have only had two players selected on a tour.