Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt wants his players to use the ‘hurt’ of losing to Japan in Kitakyushu to hit back in next weekend’s second test in Kobe.
Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms stormed back in sweltering conditions, where the temperatures reached 34 degrees Celsius alongside a very high humidity reading, to win 24-19 and register only their second ever victory over Wales.
“I think you could see the feelings pitchside (at the final whistle), not just the squad but the whole staff,” said Sherratt.
“To have a 19-7 lead in the first half and to lose the game at the end is obviously very disappointing. It hurts.
“Already we’ve got to quickly use that hurt to fuel next week. The great thing about this tour is we get a chance next week to put it right.”
Water breaks were taken in each half at the Mikuni World Stadium and after a lengthy injury to Wales lock Ben Carter in the opening 30 seconds the first half alone lasted an hour.
By the time Argentine referee Damian Schneider blew his final whistle, more than two hours had elapsed.
But neither Sherratt nor captain Dewi Lake used the oppressive heat as a factor in Wales’ latest international defeat.
“If I’m honest I’d be making excuses if I said that. First half we took pretty much every chance we got bar one in their 22,” added Sherratt.
“Every ball that hit the floor bounced for us and we rolled the right side of the penalty count. In the second half there were some really big moments.
“We had a line-out around 45 minutes to take the game to three scores, and it was a really tough call from the referee in terms of penalising us. It’s a young group and we’ve not had a win for a while, so those little scars can start to run deep.
“In the second half every bounce went for them in the aerial battle, and the penalty count went away from us. Maybe the conditions added to that as well, but my instincts say not so much.”
READ MORE: Dewi Lake Says Wales Will Look At Themselves As Matt Sherratt's Side Wilt In Japanese Heat
Sherratt was also able to confirm that Carter’s injury was not as serious as it looked when he was carried off on a stretcher after the opening exchanges.
“Ben will be unavailable next week. We’ll have a discussion with the staff to see what we’ll do about that, but we’ve got cover here with Freddie Thomas and Teddy Williams.”
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