Tournament hosts Japan go into this weekend’s Rugby World Cup clash with Samoa as favourites after winning their last two meetings.
But after the heartbreak of missing out on the quarter-finals four years ago, the Brave Blossoms know there’s still work left to do.
After beating Russia 30-10 and then stunning Ireland 19-12 to top Pool A, Japan will be hoping to take a giant step against the Samoans.
“We will be hoping to target the bonus point,” said winger Kotaro Matsushima, mindful that Scotland loom in their final group fixture.
“But first we have to make sure we get the job done and win the game.”
Samoa began with a comfortable 34-9 win over Russia but were hammered 34-0 by Scotland in their next game.
Japan coach Jamie Joseph insisted that will make the Pacific islanders dangerous opponents in Toyota on Saturday.
“They lost their game against Scotland and they’ll be hurting,” said the former All Black.
“They’ve had some tough times but they’re the sorts of things that usually bring the team tight together, so we’re expecting a really physical and tough game.”
Talismanic leader Michael Leitch returns to Japan’s back row after being dropped to the bench against Ireland.
That news clearly riled the Kiwi-born flanker, who played like a man possessed when he came on after 30 minutes in Shizuoka.
Pieter Labuschagne retains the captaincy after an impressive first outing as skipper but Joseph insisted Leitch was still the leader in the dressing room.
– ‘Come out firing’ –
“Michael is still our team captain — there’s no doubt about that,” he said.
“But the first reason why we put Michael on the bench last week is we really focused on him getting his rugby right — and it worked particularly well.”
Atsushi Sakate starts at hooker and Wimpie van der Walt comes in at lock as coach Jamie Joseph made three changes.
“Obviously Samoa will come out firing because they are playing to stay in the tournament,” said Jospeh, who has considerable bench strength in the likes of Shota Horie and Fumiaki Tanaka.
“We feel that extra experience at the end of the game is going to be crucial.”
Samoa have won 11 of the 15 Tests played between the sides but it has been seven years since they last emerged victorious.
They have also been shown four yellow cards in their first two games.
“We can’t afford to play 40 minutes over the last two games with only 14 or 13 men and expect to be out there and win games,” said coach Steve Jackson.
“We’ve just got to be smarter in the decisions that we make when we don’t have ball in hand.”
But Jackson has a cunning plan to beat Japan — wining and dining referee Jaco Peyper.
“We’re going to take him out for dinner,” he joked. “And then go to have a drink.”
Pictures: Players to watch at the Rugby World Cup 2019
Leading athletes from 20 nations are set to fight for the prestigious Rugby World Cup title in Japan from September 20 to November 2 this year. We take a look at some of the most promising and exciting players to look out for at the upcoming tournament.
Position: Fly-half
Despite being in a team filled with some of the best players in the game, Barrett manages to stand out thanks to his impeccable running game, and creative manoeuvres with the ball in hand. He also has experience on his side, having been a member of the winning World Cup squad in England four years ago.
Position: Wing
A nimble player on the field, the 23-year-old has scored 14 tries in his 19 Ireland caps so far. Stockdale gets a chance to truly showcase his skills when his team plays wide, which allows him the opportunity to hack into the rival defence.
Position: Scrum-half
One of the youngest additions to the Springboks, the 23-year-old scored two tries in his debut against Australia and followed it up with a game-saving try against New Zealand in a later game. Also a gifted support line runner, the young scrum-half is definitely one to watch in Japan.
Position: Lock
At just 24-years-old, Itoje is already a three-time European Cup winner as well as a two-time Six Nations winner. A powerful and agile forward with an explosive playing style, Itoje is sure to make waves in his first World Cup mission.
Position: Fullback
One of the most bankable attackers on the Scottish side, Hogg is best known for his ability to convert defence into attack in the blink of an eye. Thanks to his pace and footwork, the opposition can’t afford to execute a single poor kick when Hogg is on the field. He has played in one World Cup earlier in 2015, where the Scots were eliminated at the quarterfinals by Australia.
Position: Hooker
A hooker with equal ability in the back row, Fainga’a scored 12 tries for his club, ACT Brumbies, in this year’s Super Rugby tournament. This year marks his first World Cup campaign, making him one of Australia’s ones to watch.
Position: Back row
With 67 caps under his belt, the Uruguayan skipper is set to feature in the second World Cup of his career. Back in 2008, he was part of the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy-winning team.
Position: Fly-half
The 20-year-old upstart has already represented Georgia in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 World Rugby U-20 Championships. Along with his ball in hand skills, Abzhandadze possesses a mature temperament on field, holding his own against some of the more experienced players out there.
Position: Back row
Despite career threatening injuries and an assault charge looming over him, the Tongan-born powerhouse is best known for his ball-carrying and try-scoring ability, which makes him one of the biggest threats Japan has in this tournament on home turf. Back in the 2015 World Cup, his final pass is still credited to clinch the win for his team against South Africa – which was later voted as the best match moment of the tournament.
Position: Prop
Following in his father Vili’s footsteps, who played for Samoa in the 1991 World Cup, Alaalatoa has already impressed the world with his skills, playing for the Crusaders since 2016. He was also part of the Samoa U-20 team that competed in the 2011 IRB Junior World Championships.
Position: Fullback
Having won the Six Nations Grand Slam and Triple Crown titles earlier this year, Wales are hotly tipped to perform in Japan. A key member of the team’s back line and an internationally renowned fullback, Williams is best known for his rock-solid defence. This makes him an exciting prospect for the tournament and certainly one to keep an eye out for.
Position: Half-back
Recently named as Newcastle Falcons’ players’ player of the season for 2018-19, Takulua can dictate a play’s tempo as well as keep an eye out for the line with equal ease. With 30 international Test caps, Takulua has accumulated a total of eight tries and 181 points to his name so far.
Position: Lock
With 33 international caps and considerable English Premiership experience on his side, Ostrikov could be Russia’s go-to man when it comes to holding down the fort in the back row.
Position: Scrum-half
Making his debut at the 2017 Six Nations Championships, the 22-year-old has already proven himself as an invaluable addition to the French line up, thanks to his impressive agility and strong ball-playing ability.
Position: Wing
Possibly his last World Cup before retirement due to health reasons, Van der Merwe’s commendable try-scoring powers has seen him cross the whitewash 37 times in 58 international caps. Despite his five shoulder operations over the years, he is still one of the strongest, quickest and most powerful members of the Canadian squad.
Position: Fullback
In his breakthrough Six Nations tournament in 2018, Minozi impressed with four tries in four games. Now, with a severe ligament injury out of the way, Minozi is back in training and hoping to shine in the backline.
Position: Hooker
Scoring 20 tries in 22 Test appearances, Taufete’e is gifted with an exceptional ability to quickly lower his center of gravity to bulldoze his way through rivals with ease.
Position: Back row
For a team that depends a lot on their flying backs to keep the ball alive, captain Matera is sure to bring his six-plus years of experience into play, along with his towering physical presence and roaring stamina.
Position: Back row
One of PRO14’s most exciting players in the past seasons, Mata was named the tournament’s player of the season for 2018-19. Known for his offloading ability, he was part of the Olympic gold-winning rugby sevens squad in 2016.
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