Preview: United States vs Japan
By the time they kick-off at Kingsholm Stadium, Japan will know if they still have a chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals. A loss for Scotland against Samoa will mean Japan will just need to beat the Eagles to make history.
Even if this does not happen it will still be a memorable World Cup for the Japanese, in fact it is already their best-ever showing in the global tournament.
"Regardless of whether we get to the quarterfinals it's been an amazing experience for the 31 of us," said japan lock Justin Ives, who is pencilled in to start against USA in Gloucester, where Japan lost to Scotland on a four-day turnaround on September 23. "It's just been plain unbelievable.
"If we do get that third win and move on to the quarters, I think it would move mountains in Japan. You have 25 million people in Japan watching a game of footie which is unheard of. You'll never see that. It's surreal what we've done already and hopefully there’s still more to come on Sunday."
The Eagles on the other hand are still searching for their first win in the 2015 World Cup.
They are coming off a 0-64 thrashing at the hands of two-time champions South Africa and only had a three-day turnaround to prepare for the Japan fixture on Sunday.
Despite that defeat to the Springboks, the Eagles have shown signs of improvement in their overall game in this World Cup and they will be looking to pull off a an upset in Gloucester.
"This is a team that continues to grow and reach milestones," USA head coach Mike Tolkin said. "We were leading Scotland at half-time with no tries – an Eagle first versus a Tier One team. It is a team that has a great deal of emerging talent, and they will start to come into their own very soon.
"With veterans such as [Chris] Wyles, [Louis] Stanfill, [Mike] Petri, and [Phil] Thiel around, they learned to be internationals. Their talent will blossom. I think that the fans of the Eagles saw glimpses of the possibilities that this team has [at this World Cup]."
As it currently stands Japan are 11th on the world rankings, while the Eagles are in 16th place.
Players to watch:
For United States: Wing Takudzwa Ngwenya is one of the fastest players in world rugby and is a deadly finisher when given an opportunity. His partner in crime Zach Test is another player with some serious pace and a keen eye for the gap. Captain and No.8 Samu Manoa has some good rugby genes in him and his physicality can unsettle the Japanese.
For Japan: Fullback Ayumu Goromaru has been one of the stars of the tournament so far and is capable of being a match winner - just look at his exploits in his team's remarkable 34-32 win over South Africa on the opening weekend. Scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka has a pass to rival the best in the game at the moment and his pace around the breakdown will keep the Eagles on their toes. Captain and flank Michael Leitch will give his team some go forward ball with his power and his work rate around the park is second to none in the Japanese team.
Head to head: The different styles of play at fullback should be an interesting spectacle with the veteran Chris Wyles and the pragmatic Ayumu Goromaru. Mike Petri and Fumiaki Tanaka will be out to get quick ball for their teams at the breakdowns, while Justin Ives and Greg Peterson will keep each other busy in the line-outs.
Recent results:
2015: USA won 23-18, California
2014: Japan won 37-29, California
2013: Japan won 38-20, Tokyo
Prediction: It will be a tough match as these two teams have played each other a number of times over the years. However, Japan have the momentum at the moment and should win by at least 10 points.
Teams:
United States: 15 Chris Wyles (captain), 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Seamus Kelly, 12 Thretton Palamo, 11 Zach Test, 10 AJ MacGinty, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Samu Manoa, 7 Andrew Durutalo, 6 Al McFarland, 5 Greg Peterson, 4 Hayden Smith, 3 Titi Lamositele, 2 Zach Fenoglio, 1 Eric Fry.
Replacements: 16 Phil Thiel, 17 Oliver Kilifi, 18 Chris Baumann, 19 Cam Dolan, 20 John Quill, 21 Danny Barrett, 22 Niku Kruger, 23 Folau Niua.
Japan: 15 Ayumu Goromaru, 14 Yoshikazu Fujita, 13 Harumichi Tatekawa, 12 Craig Wing, 11 Kotaro Matsushima, 10 Kosei Ono, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Ryu Koliniasi Holani, 7 Michael Broadhurst, 6 Michael Leitch (captain), 5 Justin Ives, 4 Luke Thompson, 3 Hiroshi Yamashita, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Keita Ingagaki.
Replacements: 16 Takeshi Kizu, 17 Masataka Mikami, 18 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 19 Shinya Makabe, 20 Amanaki Mafi, 21 Hendrik Tui, 22 Atsushi Hiwasa, 23 Karne Hesketh.
Date: Sunday, October 11
Venue: Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
Kick-off: 20.00 (19.00 GMT, 15.00 US Eastern Time, 04.00 Monday, October 12 Japan time)
Expected weather: Sunny with a high of 15 and a slight breeze.
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: John Lacey (Ireland), Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
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