Tuipulotu credits Wales conditioning after 78-minute shift against Japan

Sisilia Tuipulotu has credited Wales' conditioning programme and encouragement from teammates after playing 78 minutes in their 17-0 WXV Global Series win over Japan. In comments reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, the tight-head prop described the support that helped her through a demanding afternoon at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXw9da1cT_E

Tuipulotu said back-row teammates repeatedly encouraged her and hooker Kelsey Jones during a second half featuring numerous scrums. She also pointed to an additional training phase before pre-season, saying the strength and conditioning staff had improved the squad's fitness. The 23-year-old earned her 39th Wales cap in the match and has moved from Gloucester-Hartpury to Harlequins.

The return to Tokyo had personal significance for the prop, who lived there for three years as a child. Her father, Tonga international Sione Tuipulotu, played for Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars. This was her first visit back to Japan since that period of her childhood.

The match itself required Wales to work through rain, wind and humidity, according to BBC Sport's match report. Their defensive effort included Tuipulotu and Freya Bell holding Japan prop Wako Kitano up over the line. Wales kept the hosts scoreless throughout, recording their first international clean sheet since a 65-0 victory over Hong Kong in November 2018.

Wales broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Seren Lockwood scored after Bell had carried close to the line. Bell converted to establish a 7-0 half-time lead. Japan threatened more after the interval, while Wales had to reorganise their backline when Bell was taken off injured and Courtney Keight entered the game.

Jones extended the advantage from a driving maul in the 65th minute. Lockwood later had another effort disallowed because of an offside infringement in the build-up, but scored her second try three minutes from time after a wide pass from Lleucu George. Wales finished with three tries, falling short of a try bonus point, but secured their second victory of the WXV campaign.