Japan to cut out 'mental lapses' with some SA muscle
PREVIEW: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph on Thursday urged his players to cut out "small mental lapses" when they face Fiji in their final home game before the World Cup.
Joseph made four changes to the team that beat Tonga 21-16 last week as Japan look for a successful send-off against the in-form Fijians in Tokyo on Saturday.
Joseph said his team "came back to some of our best rugby" against Tonga after losing 22-24 to Samoa the previous week.
But the New Zealand-born coach warned his players to stay switched on against Fiji, who are coming into the game on the back of four straight wins.
"I feel that every week we're getting a little bit better - we've just got to get rid of these small mental lapses that are putting ourselves under pressure," said Joseph.
"We've got a very experienced group of players who are taking responsibility for that and we're looking forward to watching them play on the weekend."
Joseph brought in South African-born forward Pieter Labuschagne and Australian-born James Moore into the starting line-up to replace Ben Gunter and the injured Uwe Helu.
Rikiya Matsuda comes in at flyhalf in place of Seungsin Lee, and Kotaro Matsushima takes over from Ryohei Yamanaka at fullback.
Former captain Michael Leitch is still suspended after being sent off late in the first half against Samoa.
Fiji beat Samoa 33-19 last week, seven days after taking down Tonga 36-20.
Joseph said his team were "in really good shape" physically and ready to deal with the steamy summer heat in Tokyo.
"The conditions in Japan are very hot but in terms of what we want to play at the World Cup, we're trying to build on that," he said.
"We're looking forward to a really tough match against an in-form Fijian side."
Japan have been drawn in Pool D with England, Argentina, Samoa and Chile at the World Cup in France, which kicks off on September 8.
Fiji are in Pool C with Wales, Australia, Georgia and Portugal.
Pacific Nations Cup, Round Three teams:
Saturday, August 5:
Samoa v Tonga
(Apia Park, Apia - Kick-off: 15.00; 15.00 TOT; 02.00 GMT)
Teams:
Samoa: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams 14 Nigel Ah Wong, 13 Ulupano Junior Seuteni, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Ed Fidow, 10 Alai D’Angelo Leuila, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Miracle Fai'ilagi, 5 Brian Alainu’u’ese, 4 Chris Vui, 3 Michael Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Sama Malolo, 1 Charlie Faumuina.
Replacements: 16 Luteru Tolai, 17 Titi Lamositele, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Theodore McFarland, 20 Fritz Lee, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Christian Leali'ifano, 23 Neria Foma'i.
Tonga: 15 Salesi Piutau, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 George Moala, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 10 Willimas Havili, 9 Sonatane Takulua (captain), 8 Vaea Fifita, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 5 Sitiveni Mafi, 4 Halaleva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Siua Maile, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Replacements: 16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Tau Koloamatangi, 18 David Lolohea, 19 Lopeti Timani, 20 Solomone Funaki, 21 Manu Paea, 22 Otumaka Mausia, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy (Australia), Matthew Kellahan (Australia)
Japan v Fiji
(Prince Chichibu Rugby Stadium, Tokyo - Kick-off: 19.15; 22.15 FJT; 10.15 GMT)
Teams:
Japan: 15 Kotaro Matsushima, 14 Semisi Masirewa, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Tomoki Osada, 11 Jone Naikabula, 10 Rikiya Matsuda, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Kazuki Himeno (captain), 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Jack Cornelsen, 5 Amato Fakatava, 4 James Moore, 3 Asaeli Ai Valu, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Keita Inagaki.
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Jiwon Gu, 19 Kanji Shimokawa, 20 Ben Gunter, 21 Yutaka Nagare, 22 Seungsin Lee, 23 Ryoto Nakamura.
Fiji: 15 Sireli Maqala, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), 12 Vilimoni Botitu, 11 Selesitino Ravutaumada, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Meli Derenalagi, 7 Kitione Kamikamica, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Albert Tuisue, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20 Joseva Tamani, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Ilaisa Droasese.
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: James Doleman (New Zealand), Takehito Namekawa (Japan)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)