Ceri Coleman-Phillips
BBC Sport Wales rugby reporter

World Cup-winning captain and Springbok legend Siya Kolisi was a surprise visitor in Wales' camp this week.

Rumour has it, Sisilia Tuipulotu invited him on social media, external and he was good enough to accept!

He told the Welsh team to believe in themselves - advice they seem to be taking!

Image source, Getty Images

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham has been among many coaches paying tribute to Kevin Bowring, who has died aged 70.

Ceri Coleman-Phillips
BBC Sport Wales rugby reporter

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales' attack was so easily defended by Italy last week, it was so lateral.

But with Kayleigh Powell pulling the strings today, there's a real unpredictability about them.

They were unlucky not to go in 19-0 up, but it's a much-improved first-half performance.

It's lost and the whistle goes for the end of a thoroughly entertaining half of rugby.

Should Wales be further ahead?

The clock ticks past 40 minutes but Wales still looking to play.

Oh that's a shame. Kayleigh Powell pulls off a delicious reverse pass inside to Alisha Batchers but the flanker can't hold on.

Natalia John starts to repay her team for costing them a try by winning a great turnover in midfield.

She clamped herself on to that ball and was just not going to be moved.

Wales knock on yet another lineout throw.

Hard to see if that's down to Carys Phillips' throwing or the catchers - but it's hampering Wales playing to their strength.

Image source, hu

Japan have made 71 tackles compared to Wales' 40.

That tells you everything about the game so far.

Nel Metcalfe is popping up everywhere!

But you do get the feeling that the longer Wales go through the phases, the less idea they have about how to get over the gain line.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Japan's kicking has really let them down so far and Wales are back on the attack.

In the old days once the conversion was taken, that was that.

Yes it was the right call... but that was a very late call.

Natalia John owes Bethan Lewis a drink after that one.

Well that is a VERY late intervention by the television match official.

The teams are lining up for the restart when Chris Assmus pipes up to show Natalia John tackling a player without the ball in the build-up to the try.

So we're back to 12-0 Wales.

Wales opt for a set-piece move from the playbook with Sisilia Tuipulotu peeling around a lineout - but it was like watching it in slow motion.

That move really lacked conviction. Perhaps that's the result of Tuipulotu having to join the squad late because of visa issues.

Ha, just as I talk about Japanese efficiency... Wales prop Gwenllian Pyrs blocks a kick and Nel Metcalfe boots Wales upfield.

Japan like to employ the grubber kick but it hasn't paid off for them yet.

Wales back into Japanese territory.

Japan are being efficient without being spectacular.

Wales finally get the chance to unleash their driving lineout and make huge gains in midfield.

They will presumably bear that progress in mind when they're anywhere closer to the try line.

Shame that Hannah Jones' long pass to Nel Metcalfe is pulled back for straying forward. The wing thought she was clear.

Jaz Joyce is so strong.

Japan belt the ball upfield to relieve some pressure and Joyce fends off three tacklers to win the penalty.

There was almost a conversation going on between referee Ella Goldsmith and Joyce... and I don't think Japan's players were listening.

Urgh. The throw has a bit too much on it, it's knocked on and Japan clear.

That was three points thrown away.