Fired-up Wales aim to level series in Japan

Tom Rogers scored one of Wales' three tries in the 24-19 defeat against Japan in

Summer tour second Test: Japan v Wales

Venue: Noevir (Misaki Park) Stadium, Kobe Date: Saturday, 12 July Kick-off: 06:50 BST

Coverage: Watch live on S4C and BBC iPlayer; listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app.

Wales wing Tom Rogers says his side will be fired up against Japan in Kobe next Saturday to ensure they do not finish the season without a victory.

Matt Sherratt's side led 19-7 at the interval in Kitakyushu through tries from Rogers, Ben Thomas, as well as a penalty try, and were in sight of claiming Wales' first win for 21 months.

But Eddie Jones' Brave Blossoms stormed back in sweltering conditions to win 24-19 and register only their second victory against the tourists.

This signalled an 18th successive Test defeat for Wales who have the chance to level the series next weekend.

"The boys will be fired up for this next game," said Rogers.

"We need to put a performance out there for the country and people who support us.

"We've got to use this loss as a bit of fire for next week. We've got a good bunch of boys here and I'm sure we'll turn it around next weekend."

Coping with defeat

Rogers, 26, was one of the Wales players who were staring in disbelief after the final whistle.

"It's a tough, tough loss," said Rogers.

"It's always a pleasure playing for your country. Every time you wear that shirt, you want to win. It didn't go our way, it's just gutting.

"I thought we played well in the first half, but we just couldn't get our game plan on the pitch in the second half."

Rogers joined captain Dewi Lake and interim head coach Sherratt in refusing to blame the hot and humid conditions for the defeats and second-half collapse.

"I don't think you can use the heat as an excuse," said Rogers.

"At the end of the day, you're playing rugby for your country."

'Wales have hunger and desire to bounce back'

Josh Macleod has played three internationals for Wales

Rogers' Scarlets team-mate Josh Macleod pulled on the red jersey for the first time in almost three years.

"It's a massive honour but I'm hurt for the group at the moment," said the Scarlets captain.

"The boys have had to endure a couple of tough years, with some tough results."

Flanker Macleod, 28, says the squad's character can not be questioned.

"It's not through a lack of effort, intent, hunger and desire," said Macleod.

"We've got that in shedloads. There'll be a couple of tweaks, but on the whole, we'll stay as positive as we can and look forward to another Test.

"All eyes are on next week to try and solve it. Hopefully we'll have a different changing room next Saturday."