Wales set out their intention of returning to the world's top six before the start of their two Test series against Japan.

And while their 17-0 victory in Tokyo was far from a vintage showing, Wales have added an ability to win ugly to their armoury - something they are going to need if they are to once again dine at the very top table of women's rugby.

It was, of course, inspiring to see some of the Champagne rugby Wales produced in their eight-try mauling of South Africa in Cardiff last month, but grinding out a result and keeping a clean sheet on Japanese soil could prove to be just as important in Wales' transformation under Sean Lynn.

Prior to victory over the Springboks, Wales' previous Test success stretched back to the summer tour of Australia in 2025.

It was a long, frustrating and well-documented wait, but this group are finally starting to rack up some momentum, confidence and some all-important Ws.

There had been a lot of excitment in the build-up in Japan, with both sides capable of producing an attractive brand of attacking rugby.

But conditions inside Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium proved challenging for both sides, with wind, rain and 90% humidity.

It resulted in an 80-minute war of attrition and one Wales came out on top of thanks to a superior defence and being clinical on their few visits to Japan's 22.

"Coming away to Japan was always going to be tough," said Wales co-captain Kate Williams.

"I'm really proud of the way we dug in, stuck to our processes and in the second half we could show what we're really about.

"We problem solved and figured out other ways to get into the game."

There was very little between the two sides in the first hour, with Japan threatening to claw back their 7-0 half-time defecit.

Keira Bevan had slotted in at 10, but struggled to put Wales on the front foot with her kicking game.

Lynn instead introduced Lleucu George, with Bevan reverting back to scrum-half and Seren Lockwood moving out to the wing.

It was a reshuffle which paid off with George's boot putting Wales back in the right areas, and that coupled with the introduction of experienced forwards Gwenllian Pyrs, Bethan Lewis, Gwen Crabb and Georgia Evans proved the turning point in the match.

"It was a good result," said Lynn.

"Going in at 7-0 we knew there were areas that we needed to improve and I could see on the 53/54-minute mark that we needed some more territory.

"The girls, all 23 of the squad, were outstanding, and I thought the bench made a really big impact which was really good to see."

While the player of the match plaudits went to co-captain Williams, Lockwood's two -try dispay cements her status as one of Wales' most promising talents.

The 19-year-old, who was named 2026 Welsh Rugby Writers' Association women's young player of the year, started the game at nine, but looked equally comfortable out on the wing in the second-half.

A constant threat around the breakdown, her first-half snipe gave Wales a much-needed score before the break, while she showed pace and power to beat defenders for her second.

Lynn said before the game that next year's inaugural British and Irish Lions women's tour provided extra motivation for his players, and Lockwood has done her chances no harm whatsoever and could be considered as a potential bolter.

But Wales did lose another up and coming talent in centre Freya Bell, who had been at the heart of everything good Wales did in attack and defence.

She fell awkwardly in a tackle on 53 minutes before being carried off with a serious-looking knee injury. Lynn said she had gone for a scan with an update expected early next week.

Wales will play their final international fixture of 2026 on Saturday when they take on Japan again in Kumagaya City (07:00 GMT).

"I'm excited to come out for another round next week," said Williams.

"We're really evenly-fought teams and they are a tough opposition."

Wales started the year with a Six Nations wooden spoon, but following June's friendly victory over the Barbarians, could end the second half with a four wins from five.

It would be quite the turnaround from this time last year when Wales were still licking their wounds from a winless World Cup.

There was a feeling that all Lynn needed was time and he has now built a coaching group and squad with strength and depth, and one brimming with exciting young talent.

And with results now following, Wales are slowing starting to climb back up the rankings and back on world rugby's radar.