Wales recorded their first victory of their tour of Japan after coming from behind to beat a Select XV 33-22 at Osaka.

The tourists rallied in the second half after trailing 15-13 at the break, but the triumph was marred by the loss of Allan Bateman with an ankle injury and the former Lions centre could now miss the first Test on Saturday.

After Sunday's 45-41 defeat against Suntory, Wales found it no easier going in the opening exchanges against a side comprising fringe national team players and a sprinkling of foreigners plying their trade in the Japanese league.

Bateman went down early on after a challenge, but Neath's new signing for next season was initially able to run off the knock.

Japan Select made the first breakthrough when lock-forward Akune picked up the loose ball from a scrum to crash over, which Tanaka converted to put his side 7-0 ahead.

Lynn Howells' men then began to find some space and following a tapped penalty, Bridgend's Adrian Durston dummied his way into the clear to run in from 20 metres.

Pontypridd's Lee Jarvis was on target with the conversion to level the match just after quarter-of-an-hour, but Tanaka goaled a penalty to move Japan back into the lead.

Jarvis levelled matters again with boot before edging Wales ahead 13-10 with another penalty.

As the interval approached, Japan upped the tempo and pinned the tourists in their own half. And it was no surprise when wing Yamauchi got through from 15 metres out after the home side had won a ruck close to the Wales line.

Bateman did not appear for the second half but within two minutes of the restart Wales got their noses back in front for a lead they were not to relinquish.

Neath wing Shane Williams sped in from the overlap. Jarvis converted and then added another penalty to put Wales in charge at 23-15.

The best move of the match resulted in Williams nipping in for his second score of the afternoon on 51 minutes.

Excellent handling in midfield from Welsh skipper Andy Moore and lock Craig Quinnell moved the ball out to the left flank for Williams to dash in from 40 metres.

Jarvis continued his good form with the boot to give Wales a 15-point cushion, although the tourists had to endure a spell of sustained pressure from the Japanese XV.

Only a last-gasp tackle from the Ponty stand-off prevented opposite number Tanaka powering his way over the line as the match moved into the closing stages.

Jarvis added another penalty 10 minutes from time, but Japan Select had the last word when Yamauchi crashed over for his second try, which was converted by full-back Tachikawa from the touchline.

Japan Select - Tries: Yamauchi 2, Akune. Cons: Tachikawa, Tanaka. Pens: Tanaka

Wales - Tries: S. Williams 2, Durston. Cons: Jarvis 3. Pens: Jarvis 4