'Just be me': Sisilia Tuipulotu reveals Sean Lynn's key words of wisdom

Can Wales win back-to-back Test matches for the first time since 2023?

That’s what tight-head prop Sisilia Tuipulotu and her side will be chasing in their second meeting with Japan in the WXV Global Series on Saturday.

Reflecting on their 17-0 win over the Sakura Fifteen at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo, Tuipulotu said, “It was a really good game of rugby.”

The 23-year-old prop played 78 minutes, earned her 39th cap in a Welsh jersey and was the fifth most experienced player in the starting line-up.

“I think we were tit for tat for probably the first 35 minutes of the game until we scored.

“It was crucial that we scored before going in at half time and we kept the momentum going to see out the game.

“We spoke in the week as a forward pack and said we wanted to do the best that we could in order to set a platform up for the backs to play off.

“Our scrums went really well, and we built that platform for them to play,” she added.

After going 13 months without a win, Sean Lynn’s side beat South Africa 50-19 in their first WXV Global Series game in September.

Wales followed that result with a narrow 26-24 defeat to the USA Women’s Eagles, but Saturday’s rematch with Japan offers them the opportunity to finish the campaign with three wins from four matches.

And with confidence growing within the squad, Tuipulotu says she is relishing every opportunity to represent her country.

“I’m enjoying playing. I love playing with the girls and I love taking the field with them.

“I think they give me the energy to keep going, so I’m just playing with a smile on my face, and the game will take care of itself.”

She continued, “It was a long old game [against Japan], but it really helped that the girls kept saying to keep going.

“There were lots of words of encouragement from the girls in the back row because there were loads of scrums in the second half.

“They were telling me and Kelsey [Jones] to keep going!”

Since taking charge of Wales ahead of the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, Sean Lynn has handed international debuts to 12 player, alongside helping to develop the experienced players, as he continues to rebuild the squad and restore belief within the group.

Tuipulotu believes the head coach’s support has also helped her bring the best out of herself on the pitch.

“Lynny tells me before every game to just be me out there, and when I play with a smile on my face, that’s probably my best rugby playing,” said the prop.

“Just having little conversations with him before the game really helps me play the best I can on the day.

Improved fitness has also been a key feature of Wales’ recent performances, with Tuipulotu highlighting the work of the coaching and strength and conditioning teams behind the scenes.

“Our improved fitness comes down to the work of the strength and conditioning team and coaches.

“Before the pre-season, we had pre-pre-season, which was savage in itself!

“The work of the strength and conditioning coaches and everyone around us has made us fitter as a team.

“It was good to get the win [against Japan] and we’re looking forward to going again.”

So, with momentum building and another victory within reach, Wales will be determined to finish their WXV Global Series campaign on a high.

Can Tuipulotu and her teammates make it three wins from four and deliver consecutive Test victories for the first time since 2023?

The answer awaits on Saturday when Wales meet the Sakura Fifteen once again at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium to conclude their WXV Global Series.