Wales look to show top-six credentials in Japan

Wales head coach Sean Lynn wants his squad to demonstrate top-six credentials as they face Japan in Tokyo on Saturday in the WXV Global Series. Wales currently sit 11th in the World Rugby rankings, with the loser of Saturday's match set to fall to 13th place. Lynn aims to guide the team toward the top six as part of their long-term roadmap leading up to the 2029 World Cup.

Wales enter the match after a decisive victory over South Africa and a narrow 26-24 defeat against the USA. The lineup features the return of wing Nel Metcalfe from injury, alongside co-captains Alex Callender, earning her 50th cap, and Kate Williams. Japan will field uncapped starters Savannah Bodman and Sophie Akiko Langford.