Shaun Edwards has warned Wales that revenge will not be easily served when they face Japan on Saturday.
The tourists will arrive at the Principality Stadium with good memories from their last meeting with Wales three years ago.
That was a resounding 23-8 victory in Tokyo against a young Wales team who were missing a large contingent of players on duty with the Lions in Australia.
But it was still a side that included Liam Williams, Dan Biggar and Bradley Davies – all of whom have become first choice selections and started the autumn series against Australia.
This time the Japanese arrive off the back of another win – a 28-22 triumph against Georgia in Tbilisi and Edwards admits: “The last time we played Japan was a tough day at the office.
“But you also have got to remember it was a very young Welsh team. I think we had 16 or 17 players on the Lions tour.
“It showed what potential Japan had, which they showed at the (2015) World Cup. I think that was the starting point for them.
“Japan were definitely superior on that day, but obviously we want to reverse that on Saturday. We respect our opponents and particularly one that has just gone to Georgia and won.
“Georgia had a huge percentage of possession and Japan defended extremely well. Their counter-attack was magnificent – they’ve got some real speed in the backs – and any turnover ball, in particular, we have got to be very careful.
“They are also very apt at picking up intercepts, so it’s almost that unstructured style of play which Japan will try to thrive off on Saturday.”
Wales, though, will not have to face Lomano Lemeki, the Japanese wing who did most of the damage against the Georgians with two tries.
Lemeki has withdrawn from the Brave Blossoms squad because of injury and will miss the Wales match as well as the Test against Fiji in France the following week.
Edwards suggested Wales will make changes for the Japan game, with South Africa laying wait a week after, but not at the expense of compromising the progress made with the win against Argentina.
“There will be a few changes. It is very difficult to play four Test matches on the trot.
“But we still need to be a strong side and we need to keep the momentum going and build on that.”
