FANS PACK OUT STADIUM
TENS of thousands of fans braved the cold and the rain in Cardiff as the Principality Stadium reached near-full capacity for the first time this autumn.
Wales only just squeezed past Japan – a late drop goal by replacement Sam Davies saving the blushes of the home side – moments before the clock turned red at the end of the match.
Rob Howley’s men eventually prevailed with a 33-30 victory despite the visitors’ refusal to give up
But while it was unconvincing at best again for Wales on the pitch, there was one major difference between the Japan game and those it followed this month.
There was a near-capacity crowd at the home of Welsh rugby, just shy of 74,000 people.
Gone was the giant Welsh flag covering the seats at the stadium in previous weeks, when just 55,000 and 50,000 spectators turned up for the visits of Australia and Argentina respectively.
And despite the weather the capital city’s streets were packed before kick-off, with spirited fans turning out in their droves.
Dotted amid the red Welsh wave was plenty of support for the Japanese, who made so many friends in the rugby world thanks to their performances at last year’s Rugby World Cup, including a famous win against South Africa – Wales’ next opponents, who suffered a shock loss to Italy yesterday.
Despite Wales’ slim victory, whenn so much more was expected, it looks s as though the fans had a brilliant t time.
The Williams, Roberts and Davies s families travelled from Wrexham m and met in Cardiff for the match.
It was youngsters Evan and Huww Williams’ first Welsh game at the Principality Stadium.
Janet Roberts said: “The boys are really excited – they play rugby for Rhos and their favourite players are Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny. The atmosphere is electric.”
Jo Grundy, 44, who is originally from Wrexham, travelled from Crewe to Cardiff for the game, and was watching with her father, Graham.
And she was very glad she wore her novelty daffodil hat as the heavens opened before kick-off.
She said: “The daffodil hat has come in handy – it’s nice and warm.
“But my peripheral vision isn’t great!”
Rob Henry, 46, of Neath, was at the game with youngsters from Ynysygerwn RFC and Bryncoch RFC.
He said he was glad that tickets were cheaper for this match compared to last week’s game against Argentina.
“The kids wanted to come last week but it was too expensive”expensive,” he said.
“The priority should be filling the stadium.”
Zhende Low, 25, a student in Warwick, met up with friends for his first visit to the Principality Stadium.
He said: “I’m supporting Japan, but I’m actually from Singapore. Japan is the only Asian side to really make their mark internationally.
“When Japan beat South Africa in the World Cup it was incredible!”
And finally a group of friends – three Englishmen, two South Africans and a reluctant Welshman – all dressed up as the popular Pokemon creature Pikachu for the match and lent their support to the visitors.
Gary Patterson, 21, from Surrey, said: “We’re dressed as Pikachu because it’s Japanese.”