Relief and delight as Wales taste victory again
Emotions were running high at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe as Wales ended their 18-match losing Test run with a hard-fought 31-22 victory against Japan.
A Welsh celebration song rang out in the changing rooms to mark an international victory for the first time in 644 days.
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The success levelled the series and halt a 21-month losing run that stretches back to the victory against Georgia in the World Cup game in Nantes in October 2023.
Wales had realised how to win again. Interim head coach Matt Sherratt and captain Dewi Lake outlined their feelings in an emotional press conference where they looked delighted and drained in equal measures.
'It's been a long time coming'
"I'm over the moon," said Lake.
"It's been a long time coming. You look back at tough results we've had over the past 18 months.
"We were probably in the driving seat last week but let it slip. To dig in and get the job done today is an amazing feeling."
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After Lake had finished, Sherratt affectionately congratulated his captain by tapping him on the shoulder, before adding: "I'm very similar to Dewi.
"I am more pleased for the playing group, coaches and staff. I only saw five games, but the coaches that were here previously who aren't on this trip, they put in so much effort.
"The support staff, they wear it as well. Probably the most emotional thing for me was, when the whistle went, was seeing them and this group of players get a win.
"It's the reason why I did it again. To get it in that fashion in the second game, I'm so pleased for the lads."
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'Never have I wanted to win a game so much'
The television cameras caught both Lake and Sherratt close to tears at the final whistle.
Lake was on the sidelines helpless in the final quarter as Wales ground out the result following another Japan comeback.
This time Wales triumphed and Lake sunk into his seat.
"It's probably quite tough to put into words," said Lake.
"Around 65 minutes, you almost felt the sense that things were going quite similarly to last week.
"So to score that try in the dying moments, it kind of sinks in that you've got the job done.
"You've won the game and that was ultimately our goal.
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"To come out here, getting a win on the board and put the run to an end. So the emotion probably flooded through quite quickly then."
Sherratt was caught hunched over the laptop when the final whistle went in the coaches box. His expression was felt by many Welsh supporters. Pure relief.
"I had to get Gethin Jenkins [Wales defence coach] to give me a slap around the face to get in check as I could have easily embarrassed myself on television," said Sherratt.
"I've genuinely never wanted to win a game of rugby so much.
"I know what the group has put in over the last five games and I see what it means to them.
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"There's not been a more deserving group I've worked with and it was pretty emotional."
'New coach will not have burden of losing streak'
Wales' 18-match losing run started with a defeat by Argentina at the World Cup in October 2023 [Getty Images]
It was a first victory for Sherratt in his fifth and final game in charge of Wales after taking the caretaker coach role when Warren Gatland resigned during the Six Nations in February.
Wales are set to appoint a permanent successor to Gatland in the next few weeks with Sherratt outlined what he should expect.
"He's got a brilliant group to work with," said Sherratt.
"A very passionate group of players and staff and some raw talent as well.
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"Today is the end of a long season, but for Welsh rugby, it's got to be the start of something.
"The big motivation for me and the group was for the next guy coming in, was to let them start on a level playing field without the burden of 18 [defeats] in a row around their neck.
"The works got to be done now with the national coaches in the regions. Let's get into the regions and develop a good young group of players."
Lake hopes this win will kick-start things for next season when that new boss comes in with Wales facing Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa in November.
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"Everyone's worked hard over the last five games but especially over the last five weeks," said Lake.
"So the confidence this will hopefully breed within this group will be huge for us moving forward."
Wales captain thanks caretaker coaches
Wales face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa in November [Getty Images]
Sherratt is due to return to Cardiff after being aided by a temporary backroom staff in Japan which also includes Gethin Jenkins, Danny Wilson, Adam Jones, Rhys Thomas and Leigh Halfpenny.
Most are in line to return to their clubs now but not before Lake thanked them for their efforts.
"They have built that confidence over the last five weeks and allowed us to express ourselves on the field," said Lake.
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"That's been a massive help."
Sherratt gave one final message to the fans who have followed Wales through the trials and tribulations of the past two years.
"Thanks so much for your support," said Sherratt.
"Even during the Six Nations, I know it's been a hard time to support Wales.
"I hope you can enjoy tonight because we are certainly going to enjoy the next 24 hours."
Then off Sherratt and Lake disappeared to join in with that victory song. It has been a while since we could say that. 644 days to be precise.
The win should not paper over the cracks of Welsh rugby's problems and was achieved against Eddie Jones' Japan side who are now ranked 14th in the world with Wales returning to 12th.
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A summer of upheaval still lies ahead off the the field with major changes in the Welsh game being discussed.
However, just for today, this long-awaited triumph needs to be recognised, for the long-suffering players, coaches and fans.
It is just a small success, yes, but hopefully a significant one.
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