Wales defence coach Peter Murchie says his team must make a significant improvement when they host Japan on Saturday in their Nations Championship campaign. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:40 GMT.
Wales beat Fiji in Cardiff in July but lost to Argentina and South Africa. Across those three games, they missed more than 100 tackles and conceded 15 tries. Murchie said he was unhappy with the defence and believes the squad can perform better, with greater consistency a priority for November.
Murchie is preparing for his second campaign with Wales after joining Steve Tandy’s coaching staff from Japan’s Kobelco Kobe Steelers. He arrived late for his first campaign, following the end of the Japanese Rugby League One season in June, but says there has been more time to prepare this time. The coaches have reviewed the summer, visited the regions and had more opportunity to build relationships with the players.
He also said Wales need to improve their results. The team have won three of their 12 Tests under Tandy, beating Japan, Italy and Fiji since November 2025, while losing the other nine. Murchie said the squad’s aim is to win matches, while declining to set a target for the number of victories.
Saturday’s match will be Wales’ fourth meeting with Japan in 16 months. The teams drew their series 1-1 in Japan in July 2025, before Wales won in Cardiff the following November with a late Jarrod Evans penalty.
Murchie said his time coaching in Japan has given him some insight into Eddie Jones’ side. He described Japan as well-coached and difficult to face, highlighting the team’s pace and skill alongside the size brought by its overseas players. He added that Japan have improved and have pushed several leading teams close.
Reflecting on rugby culture in Japan, Murchie said players are accustomed to demanding training and are fit, skilful and willing to play with the ball. He also noted that working in the country’s company-based rugby system meant coaching players with very different levels of experience in the same squad.
Sources: BBC Sport.