Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Well.... a win is a win and when you've been struggling as Wales have this year... they will be more than happy to take it.

Nel Metcalfe, Keira Bevan and Jaz Joyce all scored to claim a first win of the WXV2 tournament.

But there is still a niggling feeling that they really should have scored more if not for the same old problems of squandering chances.

Metcalfe and Joyce's scores were both opportunist tries though Bevan's effort finished one of the most impressive moves we've seen all year from a far more ambitious Wales.

It should also ease the pressure on head coach Ioan Cunningham, who was coming under fire after just three wins from his previous 13 games.

WXV2 finishes tomorrow, when Wales will discover if they will be 10th or 11th seeds for Thursday's pool draw for the 2025 World Cup.

At least now Cunningham can start preparing - you would think - to be there with Wales.

So that's the end of 2024 for Wales but make sure you watch our coverage of the pool draw next Thursday.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham said: "We're delighted to get the win. Japan are a great side who are well coached but I'm full of pride for our players at how they have stuck in there.

"I thought defensively we were great and we dug in to get the win."

On World Cup qualification: "It's such an exciting eight months to come to the World Cup and I'm really looking forward to it.

"There's a lot of hard work to do but what an opportunity for the players to show their talent on the world stage."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales captain Hannah Jones said: "It is brilliant to get the win. The girls have worked extremely hard for this and we're glad we ended on a high.

"We had more composure in the [red] zone this week which we worked hard on, and that was outstanding.

"We are working hard each week."

The WXV2 table is looking a little better now for Wales before tomorrow's final games.

Australia play Scotland and South Africa take on Italy.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Try-scorer and player of the match Jasmine Joyce said: "I think the only tries I have scored for Wales are against Japan so let's play them more I say!

"It was good fun. We haven't had the best tournament with two losses but it's nice to get a win.

"To be in South Africa is humbling. The culture here is fantastic. We moan about chicken thighs and not chicken breasts and these girls are playing rugby without shoes on.

"The only people in the stands are Welsh so thank you. We have great support from back home and we do feel it here and thanks to the people who travelled out to watch us."

We already knew it, but completion of this WXV2 tournament sees Wales qualify for the World Cup next year.

It's just the formalities.

Ceri Coleman-Phillips
BBC Sport Wales rugby reporter

It was far from a perfect performance from Wales, but a win is a win and they will be delighted.

It will also relieve some of the pressure on head coach Ioan Cunningham ahead of a Rugby World Cup year.

But there's no getting away from the fact that Wales have massively under achieved this year, they have only won four from 11 Test matches.

It will be a tough review when the dust settles.

Japan overthrow the lineout, Wales consider trying to go the full length of the pitch for a bonus point but captain Hannah Jones says enough is enough and boots the ball out.

Wales have their first win of the tournament.

There goes the hooter... but we're playing on because Japan have a penalty and kick to touch.

Alex Callender gets a steal at the breakdown - what a time to do it and now Wales should see out the final seconds.

Hang on... Powell fails to find touch with the penalty and Japan will keep going as the clock ticks past 80 minutes.

We're into the final minute and Japan have possession again.

Wales will be determined to keep them out.

Both teams strip the ball out of the ball carrier's hands, first Wales and then Japan.

It's topsy-turvy stuff this.

Actually no. They've been pulled back to the point of the foul, so kick to the corner.

Wales are down to 14 for the remainder of the game after a pretty blatant no-arms tackle.

It's going to be reviewed and she could be in trouble here.

But it's immaterial for this match as Wales will finish with 14 players.

Japan with a great attacking scrum here and numerical advantage out wide.

That's the way to make an impact off the bench.

Sian Jones has only just stepped on to the pitch but does so well at the tackle to win the turn over.

Kayleigh Powell made the initial tackle and has been impressive today both with and without the ball.

Donna Rose, lock Pyrs and scrum-half Sian Jones all on for Wales.

Rose replaces Tuipulotu who has had a quiet game today by her high standards.

Ten minutes to go, Japan are on the attack and this game does not feel like it's settled yet.

Bethan Lewis had made another huge break in the build-up to that last attack.

She has been such a threat today.

Wales blow a clear chance to score a try.

Nel Metcalfe goes arching through with a great angle and just has to get the ball to replacement Courtney Keight, who should have a clear run down the touchline for the bonus.

But the pass off her left hand flies wildly out of play.