'Losing for Wales is the worst feeling' - Jones

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Adam Jones pointing in trainingImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Image caption,

Adan Jones went on two British and Irish Lions tours

Gareth Griffiths

BBC Sport Wales

Summer tour second Test: Japan v Wales

Venue: Noevir (Misaki Park) Stadium, Kobe Date: Saturday, 12 July Kick-off: 06:50 BST

Coverage: Watch live on S4C and BBC iPlayer; listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app.

Anybody who doubts the devastation players feel after losing for Wales just needs to spend a few minutes with scrum consultant and former prop Adam Jones.

The 24-19 loss to Japan was a record 18th consecutive defeat which has seen Wales slip to a lowest-ever 14th in the world rankings.

The losing streak stretches back to October 2023 and the players were visibly upset in Kitakyushu following yet another defeat, although they have a chance to level the series in Kobe on Saturday.

Jones represented Wales 95 times and endured lows as well as the highs of winning three Grand Slams and reaching a World Cup semi-final.

So he knows about the effects of playing for Wales.

"You're representing your country, it's the be-all and end-all," said Jones.

"You put it before everything else. You put it before your friends and family.

"So when you lose for your country, from a sporting point of view, it's the worst feeling. Because it's now 18 games, it just magnifies it."

'This Wales team care'

Wales full-back Blair Murray reacts in despair after losing to JapanImage source, Getty Images

Image caption,

Wales full-back Blair Murray has not won an international game since making his debut in November 2024

Jones says the record sequence of defeats can not be attributed to a lack of effort.

"They care and want to play," said Jones.

"A lot of history has gone into their jersey and they massively care about that and what it represents.

"There's been times in the past when there's been a few players coming through the international system who probably don't care. They just wanted the Wales cap and accolades that go with it."

Jones, however, is adamant the current group of players is not like that.

"They've done everything to win but unfortunately we've come up short.

"I know it's easy to say they deserve a win from how they apply themselves they're a good group of boys.

"They don't deserve to be in this sort of rut and the criticism they're getting."

Jones believes the final quarter against Japan typified the tourists' lack of confidence.

In hot and humid conditions, Wales led the hosts 19-7 before conceding 17 unanswered points in the second half.

"If you look at the last 20 minutes, probably a few wounds were being opened and we couldn't get across the line," said Jones.

Craig Bellamy in a Wales press conferenceImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Image caption,

Craig Bellamy took over from Robert Page as the Wales football boss

Wales have made attempts to try and solve the lack of confidence.

Before they arrived in Japan, interim head coach Matt Sherratt invited guest speakers to address the squad and to try and instil some positivity.

Among them was Wales football manager Craig Bellamy who urged the players to use the inspiration of trying to be somebody who was going to stop the losing streak, rather than reflecting on previous defeats.

"There were a couple of things that resonated and that was one," said Jones.

"He [Bellamy] said everyone knows Wales because of the Welsh rugby team. As much as it's where we are now, Welsh rugby is still a big thing in world rugby. It's what we're known for.

"There's a bit of pressure, but on the flipside, the people who turn it around, or get the monkey off our back, it will be pretty special for them.

"There will be relief as well, I'm sure."

Jones says Wales can not fixate on the failures.

"We've got to move on," said Jones.

"You look through it, but you can't dwell otherwise you're just going round and round. Then it'll be 19, 20 games.

"I learned as a player you can't dwell on these things, it's the beauty of international rugby that you've often got a chance to rectify it the week after."

Trying to finish on a high

Media caption,

Japan win will give Wales confidence to 'kick on' - Adam Jones

Just such an opportunity comes in Kobe on Saturday, as Wales look to level the series in their final game of the season.

Wales are aiming to ensure they do not go a full international campaign without a win after suffering nine defeats in 2024-25.

"At the moment we're in this big losing streak but that one win will give them a bit of confidence to kick on," said Jones.

"It's the last week of the season, which is always tough, but there's a carrot at the end of it.

"They've got five weeks off after this now, so they've put everything into this last game and hopefully we'll get the result we want."

While the players get five weeks off, Jones will be straight back to the day job at Harlequins on Monday morning after having had two stints with Wales during the Six Nations and summer tour.

Jones was brought into the Wales set-up by Warren Gatland, who then left his role after defeat against Italy in Rome in February, with Matt Sherratt taking over as interim head coach.

Jones was retained for the summer tour, with his Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson also brought in on a temporary basis to look after the forwards.

Despite all the trauma, with six defeats and no wins so far while he has been involved, Jones has no regrets about his international return, after playing his final game for Wales in 2014.

"I've loved it, it's been brilliant," said Jones.

"It's been just over a decade since I last played for Wales and I loved representing my country.

"Playing for them for 11 years changed my life. The chance to represent them as a coach has been just as special.

"It's been frustrating. It's been pretty strange with Gats bringing me in where I had god knows how many questions over whether we get on anymore.

"Next thing he's gone, so that was strange.

"I have enjoyed it but then I just get straight back into it with Harlequins on Monday and I might be a bit jet-lagged."

Tired, maybe, but Jones will hope he has the memory of that long-awaited Wales win to give him a boost.

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