Halley’s Comet returns to Earth’s vicinity approximately every 75 years, making it possible for a person to see it twice in their lifetime. A Welsh victory is assuming similar proportions following a disappointing defeat to Japan earlier today.

Eight thousand miles away from their previous bitter heartbreaking embarrassing defeat in Cardiff to England, they hit new depths at Prince Chichibunomiya Memorial Stadium in the Aoyama district of central Tokyo.

An eighteenth consecutive defeat was earth-shattering for Welsh rugby fans, who have been witnessing a total eclipse in the winning stakes for what seems like a lifetime.

The BBC made a request to move forward the kick-off time, I imagine with a genuine concern for the health and safety of viewers in Wales.

The collective injury toll from half asleep victims operating kettles and coffee machine before the 6am kick off could well have placed unprecedented demands on the NHS accident and emergency departments. But Japan coach Eddie Jones decided otherwise and may well have blood on his hands.

The excruciating heat and humidity were undoubtedly a factor, but Wales after building up a 19-7 half-time lead were pointless in the second half in both senses of the word.

Wales took advantage of an ill disciplined and inaccurate Japanese side in the first half, scoring three tries through Ben Thomas, Tom Rogers and a penalty try. But in the second period they offered nothing and at the final whistle looked a demoralised and shell shocked outfit.

Japan’s seventeen unanswered second half points came from tries by Nakakusu and Vailea converted by Matsunaga and a penalty by Lee.

This latest Wales defeat puts them at a new low in the Word Rankings, placed 14th, below Japan and Samoa.

The sight of Welsh captain Dewi Lake in tears provided a snapshot of the desperation and sadness that has engulfed a proud rugby nation, and there appears to be no prospect of those emotions changing anytime soon.