A second-half burst of six tries saved Wales' blushes as they beat Japan in the second Test in Tokyo after being a point behind at half-time.

New cap Tom Shanklin ran in a couple of tries in as many minutes early in the second half as Wales found new strength after visibly tiring late in the first period in the heat and humidity.

Wales dominated the opening exchanges, but Japan forced their way back into the game as gaps appeared in the Wales back line, allowing the home side to touch down twice.

But Wales came out reinvigorated in the second half and Gareth Thomas completed his hat-trick of tries as the backs and forwards combined to create several well constructed tries.

"It got a bit sticky in the first half," said Wales coach Lyn Howells.

"We tried to be too clever and lost the ball in contact and allowed them to get into the game.

"That was a little bit annoying but we had a chat at half time and we came out and started to set targets and that made it easier all round."

After being thumped in the first Test, Japan still had a point to prove and full-back Hirotoki Onozawa ran half the length of the pitch to score a late consolation try.

However, a series of fine tackles from the home side kept the score respectable as Wales threatened to run riot.

Wales' other try scorers were Gavin Thomas (2), substitute Jamie Robinson and Shane Williams, who scored a magnificent individual try.

Teams

Japan: Onozawa; Kurihara, Namba, Motoki, Masuho; Iawabuchi, Murata; Hasegawa, Fakata (capt), Toyoyama, Vatuvei, Tanuma, Kubo, Koizumi, Saito.

Replacements: Takayamagi, Yamamura, Akune, Ito, Tsukita, Oto, Tuidraki.

Wales: Kevin Morgan; Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas, Adrian Durston, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Iestyn Thomas, Andrew Lewis, Chris Anthony, Craig Quinnell, Andy Moore (capt), Nathan Budgett, Gavin Thomas, Geraint Lewis.

Replacements: Steve Jones, Ben Evans, Chris Stephens, Jamie Ringer, Dwayne Peel, Gavin Henson, Jamie Robinson.