Wales defence coach Peter Murchie has called for a vast improvement in his area of the game as the team prepares to resume their Nations Championship campaign against Japan on Saturday (16:40 GMT).
Murchie, who joined Steve Tandy's backroom staff from Japanese side Kobelco Kobe Steelers, acknowledged that Wales missed more than 100 tackles and conceded 15 tries across three summer Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.
"From my side in the summer, we can be much better," Murchie said. "I wasn't happy with the defence overall, there's much more in us and improvements to be made. We want to be extremely tough to break down and play against."
The coach highlighted a longer preparation period this time around, allowing the coaching group to debrief the summer campaign and build relationships with players across the regions.
Wales have won only three of 12 Tests since Tandy took charge in November 2025, with victories over Japan, Italy and Fiji. Murchie stressed the need for consistency and a winning mentality.
Saturday's match will be the fourth meeting between Wales and Japan in 16 months. Murchie's experience coaching in Japan provides insight into the opposition's style, which combines pace, skill and a powerful forward pack bolstered by foreign players.
"They are extremely hard workers... they'll run through brick walls for you," Murchie said of Japanese rugby culture. "They are also very fit, skilful and throw the ball around."
