Josh Adams has spoken candidly about the highs and lows of touring Japan with Wales, as the team gears up for the crucial second Test following last weekend’s defeat in the series opener.

Despite the disappointment of Saturday’s loss to the hosts, Adams is embracing the opportunity to explore a new part of the world thanks to rugby.

“There’s so many amazing experiences you get through playing rugby and Japan isn’t a country necessarily where you think of going on holiday,” said Admas.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be here once and what an incredible place it is. To go to some of the countries and experience what I have, it really is unbelievable what rugby can give you.”

Wales relocated to Kobe following the first Test, and the Cardiff wing has been soaking up the sights of the region.

“It’s only a short, two-hour bullet train across here and then yesterday was just going around seeing Kobe, a city that I haven’t been to.

“We weren’t here at all in 2019 so it’s somewhere new for me. I’m just exploring really, seeing different bits and eating Kobe beef, which I recommend. Very expensive, but very, very nice.”

While enjoying the cultural side of the tour, Adams is under no illusions about the challenge Wales face this weekend.

The team looked in control for much of the first Test but allowed the game to slip away late on.

“Saturday was really disappointing for everyone involved. We have one last run out now this season, so it’s all or nothing.

“It was tough after Saturday to be in the position that we were in – probably a position that has been a bit alien to the team over the past two years.

“We were in front, looking the comfortable team. The dominance in terms of possession and territory was in our favour.

“But from about 60 minutes on, the momentum totally swung. A few decisions here and there, a few missed opportunities where if we score early in that second half, I think we win by 15 or 20 points.

“Those are the moments at the top level you have to be able to nail and we weren’t able to do that.

“Second half, after about having a look back and what we’ve talked about from about 60 minutes on, the momentum totally swung and they really took advantage of that momentum shift and kept us pinned in.”

Adams credited the tactical discipline of the first half particularly the kicking game, but acknowledged that execution at key moments in the second half ultimately let Wales down.

“In the first half I think we really nullified their energy, that speed that they want to play with. We sort of sucked it out for them.

“The kicking game was excellent. We looked boring watching, but sometimes that’s how it’s got to be to win.

“We did it well first half, but second half we didn’t execute in big moments and that cost us.”

With Wales searching for a first Test win in nearly two years, Adams says the young and inexperienced squad is carrying a burden they’re determined to shake off this weekend.

“These lads are getting their first caps, second caps, some boys are six, seven caps into their test career and they’ve never come off the field with a victory for Wales. That’s absolutely mad to say.

“That burden that we carry, it’s something that we want to put to an end to and I think it’s having confidence that we’re good enough to win games and belief is a massive thing.

“You get yourself in a position that was unfamiliar to the team for a long period of time and maybe you can sort of get caged up a little bit, instead of trying to go out and really put the game to bed.

“That comes with confidence and playing well and winning ultimately, so that’s something we’ve got to find and let’s hope Saturday we can start that.”