Wales welcomes back Josh Macleod as key player returns from injury

In Japan, the Wales national rugby team prepared to face Japan in their First Test in Kitakyushu. The match, scheduled for Saturday at 2 PM local time, will mark a significant moment for the team, aiming to break a streak of 17 consecutive Test defeats. Coach Matt Sherratt made 11 changes from the side that suffered a humiliating 68-14 defeat to England in March, with only a few players remaining from that match, including Taulupe Faletau and Nicky Smith. Sherratt expressed praise for the return of Josh Macleod, highlighting the flanker’s contribution as essential for the team. Accompanying him in the back row will be Taulupe Faletau and Alex Mann. Other players stepping into critical positions include Kieran Hardy and Sam Costelow, creating a fresh partnership in the half-backs. The squad has focused on adapting to Japan's humid and warm conditions, incorporating various training techniques, including the use of a heat chamber. Despite the hot weather, Sherratt is more concerned with the state of the match ball, which is expected to be greasy and could significantly affect play conditions. The temperature is forecasted to be around 30 degrees Celsius, but players have been accustomed to training under similar conditions to prepare for this challenge. The coaching staff feels confident in their preparations and the blend of experience and youth they've selected, suggesting that the upcoming match will be tough but strategically approached. As the week continues leading up to the match, Wales remains focused on executing their game plan and overcoming the psychological burden of their past performances. Sherratt emphasizes the importance of a collective team effort, stating that it will be a 23-man job to secure a victory against Japan, aiming to restore pride in the Welsh rugby team.