Inside the Principality Stadium and away from the cameras, the relief was palpable after a rare occurrence
Alex Mann embraces his family(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
For the first time in a long time, the Principality Stadium had a voice.
One unprompted by reminders on the screen to ‘Get loud’ or ‘Bring your hwyl’. Instead, the action on the field was drawing the support out of Welsh fans for the first time in a long time.
The decibels were rising as the game reached its crescendo. Wales, behind on the scoreline and facing yet another embarrassment, were on the brink. The ever-falling nadir of 13th in the world was uncomfortably on the horizon.
Yet, as that prospect edged closer to reality, the Welsh support found their voice.
Wales fans during the match as the atmosphere soared(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
“We’ve got to go,” second-row Adam Beard told referee Matthew Carley, desperate to get action underway in the dying seconds.
The last time Wales won a match in Cardiff, Dan Biggar was playing at the Principality Stadium in a Welsh jersey for the very last time.
Now, just over two years later, the former fly-half was perched on the sidelines as the match against Japan neared its conclusion. His old team, having lost a record 10 straight in the Welsh capital, were staring down the barrel of another.
The Brave Blossoms, having only beaten Tier One opposition – if Wales still count as that – once before away from home, were on the brink of a second victory over the Welsh this year.
Then, the flashpoint. Alex Mann made a break down the left wing.
The Aberdare boy had been busy throughout. “He’s on his feet,” shouted Carley earlier on, as it took just 13 minutes for Mann to mark his openside debut for Wales with a jackal penalty.
Things weren’t always so straightforward at the breakdown. Japan had spent the week prepping for choke tackles from Wales.
They looked ready for what Wales were ready to throw at them in that area of the game.
“Like I said to you at half-time, we need some good choices after the tackle. I will card you if necessary,” Carley told Welsh players just after the break.
From that early promise, Wales floundered. Heading into the final minutes, one Mann jackal effort went unrewarded. “No lift,” called Carley as fans reacted incredulously.
As things went against them, all one Welsh voice could mutter was a tired “Boys…” as the Brave Blossoms edged towards victory.
Alex Mann of Wales tussles with Harry Hockings of Japan(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
But, here in the dying seconds, something about the way Mann hit the floor just looked unnatural from the low vantage point of the press box. Cheers turned to baying for blood as Mann rose to his feet, eager to find the man who put him there.
“Stop, control yourself,” said Carley to the Cardiff back-row as he shoved aside a couple of opposition players. For Harry Hockings’ sins, Japan were a man down at the death.
Another penalty followed. The brainstrust of Tomos Williams, Jarrod Evans, Ben Thomas and a few forwards discuss matters over the roar of the crowd, before Williams – captain in Dewi Lake’s absence – makes the call.
“Kick for goal,” Carley confirms, pointing to the sticks.
“Jarrod, the shot clock is running,” says the official to the fly-half, ahead of the kick. Behind the Harlequins playmaker, Rhys Patchell paces around, arms behind his back, helpless.
“Nothing silly, all onside,” says Carley to Wales’ players as Evans continues his preparations. A hush fell over the stadium. The sound of boot hitting ball.
“F*****g get in,” roars Evans as the ball sailed towards the uprights. Liam Belcher and Ben Thomas mob the fly-half, as a shattered Beard just drops to one knee.
Jarrod Evans of Wales with family at full time(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Rhys Carre, not long on as a replacement, lifts Evans over his head. Olly Cracknell, tasting Test victory for the first time, continues to seek some clarity from the officials over a call from minutes earlier.
By now, chants of ‘Wales’ are louder than they’ve ever been. A sign of where Welsh rugby has fallen? Perhaps.
New Zealand, South Africa, England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and Japan – not necessarily in that order – are Wales’ opponents through to the end of 2026.
So, you take the victories where you can get them, by any means necessary. It might be a while before we hear those chants again.
By now, Dan Edwards and Liam Belcher are midway through an embrace, as Dafydd Jenkins aims a fist pump towards the sidelines.
Near halfway, Biggar is the latest to hug Evans as they cross paths.
Relief. Pure relief.
In the bowels of the stadium, Evans – the hero of the hour – was doing press in the mixed zone.
“Ice in the veins, baby,” shouted Tom Rogers as the Scarlets wing passed by the throng of journalists asking questions.
“That’s an extra zero on your contract, Jarrod!” joked Biggar as he made his way for the exit moments later.
“I’ll just try do what you do,” was the response from Evans.
For the first time in a long time, victory graced the Principality Stadium from a Welsh point of view. No matter how it came, no one deep inside the stadium was in a mood to turn their noses up at that.
AloJapan.com