Wales ended their record-breaking 18-match losing streak with a 31-22 victory over Japan at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe on Saturday, leaving interim coach Matt Sherratt overcome with emotion.
The win marked their first international success in 644 days, dating back to their World Cup victory over Georgia in 2023.
The defeat against Japan last week astonishingly marked Wales' 18th consecutive Test loss.
After the win, Sherratt was seen crying and struggling to catch his breath whilst leaning on the desk in the coaches' box.
Kieran Hardy was one of the try scorers for Wales
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The victory levels the series at 1-1 and lifts enormous pressure from the Welsh Rugby Union ahead of appointing Warren Gatland's permanent successor.
"It's emotional, there's a reason why I've done it again. I'm so pleased for the lads," Sherratt said after the match.
He praised the entire Welsh setup, adding: "Credit to all the staff and support staff, the coaches and everyone who came before me. Whoever comes in has a great group to work with."
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The look of relief for sure!
— Jamie Anderson🐦🏴 (@JamieAnderson93) July 12, 2025
Credit to Matt Sherratt and the coaches for wales finally winning! pic.twitter.com/ONTGMZ6CZY
The interim coach revealed his determination to secure the victory, stating: "I've genuinely never wanted to win a game of rugby so much.
"I had to get Gethin Jenkins to give me a slap around the face to get in check because as you'd seen, I could have easily embarrassed myself on TV."
Wales built a commanding 21-3 lead through two tries from scrum-half Kieran Hardy and one from Josh Adams.
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Dan Edwards, making his first international start at fly-half, contributed 16 points including a crucial late try.
Japan mounted a spirited second-half comeback with tries from prop Shuhei Takeuchi, lock Warner Dearns and centre Dylan Riley, closing the gap to just two points.
The hosts threatened to repeat their victory from the previous week in Kitakyushu.
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It had been 644 days since Wales' last victory
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However, Wales held their nerve in the closing stages, with a brilliant reverse pass from Taine Plumtree to set up Edwards, who dived over and secured the victory.
The result sees Wales climb back to 12th in the world rankings after dropping to a record low of 14th following last week's defeat.
Sherratt expressed hope the victory would allow Gatland's successor to "start on a level playing field without the burden of the 18 in a row around his neck."
The Welsh Rugby Union is expected to announce the permanent head coach appointment within the next fortnight.
Captain Dewi Lake was also emotional after the final whistle, saying: "I'm over the moon, it's been a long time coming."