Wales defence coach Peter Murchie has called for a significant improvement in his side’s defensive performance as they prepare to resume their Nations Championship campaign against Japan on Saturday at 16:40 GMT.
Defensive Struggles and Higher Expectations
Murchie is preparing for his second campaign overseeing the defence after joining Steve Tandy’s coaching staff from the Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers. During July, Wales defeated Fiji in Cardiff but suffered defeats against Argentina and South Africa, missing more than 100 tackles and conceding 15 tries across the three matches.
BBC Sport reported that Murchie expects a much higher standard from the Welsh squad over the upcoming month. “From my side in the summer, we can be much better,” said Murchie, adding that he was unhappy with the overall defence and that consistency is the goal for November.
Having joined Wales late following the conclusion of the Japanese Rugby League One season in June, Murchie hopes for better preparation this time. He noted that the coaching group has enjoyed a bigger lead-in, a proper debrief of the summer, and valuable time out in the regions building relationships with the players.
Murchie stated that Wales must improve their win ratio after securing only three victories in the 12-Test Tandy era so far. Since November 2025, Wales have beaten Japan, Italy, and Fiji while losing their nine other internationals. “We’re here to win Test matches, we’re not here to take part and we’ve spoken about that as a group,” Murchie said.
Familiarity with Japan and Their Coaching Staff
Wales will face Japan for the fourth time in 16 months, following a 1-1 series draw in Japan in July 2025 and a narrow win in Cardiff last November sealed by a last-gasp Jarrod Evans penalty. Murchie’s recent stint in Japan provides the hosts with valuable insight into the Eddie Jones-coached national side.
“Japan are a good team,” said Murchie, noting that they have progressed and pushed numerous top teams close over the past year or two. He highlighted their skills, pace, and the size provided by their foreign contingent around the forward pack, which makes them a difficult proposition.
Murchie also shared observations on Japanese rugby culture, describing the players as extremely hardworking, fit, and accustomed to harsh training conditions. Reflecting on his time working for a steel company-backed team, he explained the unique environment of managing everyone from 38-year-old company veterans to New Zealand captain Ardie Savea in the same squad.
