Sweeney out to impress Wales team details

The 25-year-old was Wales' first choice after the summer tour, but injury ruled him out of the first autumn Test against South Africa.

He then saw Dwayne Peel star at no.9 in excellent games against the Springboks, Romania and New Zealand.

"Dwayne did superbly, now it's up to me to win the shirt back with the way I play against Japan," said Cooper.

"I think we've both done well in the autumn.

It's difficult to know what to expect from Japan Gareth Cooper

"Competition for places is immense, you'll see that with the players who take the field on Friday.

"I will then have to continue my form when I return for the Dragons.

"Both myself and Dwayne are trying to raise our games, we want to win places on next summer's Lions tour."

Cooper, who came on as a substitute against Romania and the All Blacks, insists that he is not under-estimating Japan, though, as he prepares to win his 23rd cap.

"It's difficult to know what to expect from them," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"They were competitive against Scotland early on and did enough to show that they can be a banana skin, but then they faded and conceded 100 points.

"We've been doing a lot of video analysis. I've played against Japan twice before, both were physical and entertaining encounters and I hope it will be the same on Friday."