Wales fans were looking for a statement performance against Japan. A marker to put down as the World Cup looms in under a year.
They were not provided with that but did witness a victory, however scratchy.
So Wales woke up on a Sunday morning with a Test victory to mark. That has not happened often in recent times.
Some of these Wales players will still remember the record-breaking 18-Test losing sequence between 2023 and 2025. If Wales players can take any positives this weekend, it will be victory.
As Tandy said afterwards, it is always easier to debrief a bonus-point victory.
Among the disjointed team performance, there were notable impressive individual displays from the usual suspects.
Back-row duo Aaron Wainwright and Jac Morgan excelled in attack and defence, full-back Blair Murray was a constant attacking threat and wing Josh Adams popped up with two tries.
Centre Eddie James showed glimpses of his power game in a new-look midfield partnership with Max Llewellyn.
While the centre combination did not set the world alight, it warrants further opportunites.
Tandy will not be content with Wales spending long periods defending and only having 40% in territory and possession.
This was emphasised in the tackle count as the hosts made 227 compared to Japan’s 115, with Wales finishing with the top eight tacklers in the game.
He will be encouraged by the resolve with Morgan topping the official Nations Championship charts with 24, followed by lock Dafydd Jenkins (23) and Wainwright (20).
Wales also forced 10 turnovers with Alex Mann gaining three, while there were crucial interventions from Lake, Adams and prop Nicky Smith when Japan seemed destined to score.
