After a very successful 2019 World Cup, with a quarter-final at stake, Japan is eagerly awaited this year. But its results, which have been rather disappointing for four years, do not suggest a new big performance. Especially since with England and Argentina in their group, the Japanese will have a lot to do. They will still aim for a qualification for the final phase, even if it seems rather improbable.
The story
In 2019, Japan had as many victories (four) as in all of their previous eight appearances. Now on the front of the stage and considered one of the eight best nations in the world, hence its presence in the second hat during the draw, the Japanese XV must now confirm.
Japan XV form
The revelation of the last World Cup has completely fallen into line for four years. After having surprised everyone at home, beating in particular Ireland and Scotland before losing in the quarter-finals against South Africa, not without having tied the game for a half, the Japanese have experienced all the trouble in the world to confirm. In fifteen games, they have only won four times (twice against Uruguay, against Portugal and Tonga).
The rest of the time, they could not compete against Ireland, Australia, Scotland, England, New Zealand and France, with in particular a heavy defeat in the key against the XV of the Rose (52-13). The last Pacific Nations Cup was no more successful, with defeats to Samoa and Fiji. Their brilliant last World Cup, however, allowed them to be protected in the draw.
Japan match schedule
The list of 33 (30 for the moment)
Pillars : Jiwon Gu, Sione Halasili, Keita Inagaki, Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Craig Millar, Asaeli Waru.
Talonneurs: Shota Horie, Kosuke Horikoshi, Atsushi Sakate.
Second lines: James Moore.
Third lines: Jack Cornelsen, Shota Fukui, Ben Gunter, Kazuki Himeno, Michael Leitch.
Demis de mêlée : Kenta Fukuda, Yutaka Nagare, Naoto Saito.
Demis d’ouverture : Seungsin Lee, Rikiya Matsuda.
Centers : Ryoto Nakamura, Shogo Nakano, Tomoki Osada, Dylan Riley.
Wingers/backs: Siosaia Fifita, Lomano Lemeki, Kotaro Matsushima, Semisi Masirewa, Jone Naikabula and Jumpei Ogura.
Player to watch: Kotaro Matsushima
The back had been the star of the 2019 World Cup on his land. After scoring a hat-trick in the opener against Russia, the Japanese continued to shine, eventually finishing third in the top try scorer standings. This performance allowed him to join Clermont a few months later. In France too, his offensive qualities, and in particular his supersonic support, allowed him to impose himself and to impose himself. Returned to Japan, at the Tokyo Sungoliaths, the back has lost none of his qualities and continues to knock out opposing defenders.
