Japan unveil side that will take on British & Irish Lions

Adam Kyriacou

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named his team that will face the British & Irish Lions in their clash at Murrayfield.

Led by skipper Michael Leitch, the Brave Blossoms will be looking to spring a shock in their first-ever meeting with the famous touring side.

Leitch is joined in a strong looking back-row by fellow flanker Lappies Labuschagné while Amanaki Mafi will wear the number eight jersey.

Kotaro Matsushima on wing

James Moore and Wimpie van der Walt line up at lock behind props Koo Ji-won and Keita Inagaki, with Atsushi Sakate starting at hooker.

Kaito Shigeno and Yu Tamura will hope to control matters from half-back while the midfield duo is Ryoto Nakamura and Timothy Lafaele.

There’s star quality in the back three too where lethal Kotaro Matsushima starts on the wing alongside Siosaia Fifita and Ryohei Yamanaka.

Speaking about his selection, Brave Blossoms head coach Joseph said: “This is a strong Japanese team combining a solid foundation of experience, with some exciting new players who have earned the right to represent Japan at Test match level. We will field a strong, competitive team on Saturday while also taking the opportunity to blood new players as we look ahead to Rugby World Cup.

“Six Nations teams play around a strong set-piece, and this is where the Lions will look to pressure us. We have picked a team with this in mind and which is capable of putting pressure back onto the opposition and taking our opportunities to score points when they come.

“There is a great spirit among the team and a collective excitement ahead of Saturday’s match. Playing the Lions for the first time holds huge significance for Japanese rugby and as a team, we’re looking forward to once again be playing on the world stage and to be taking on a team with the unique strength and history of the Lions.”

Japan were one of the 2019 World Cup’s star attractions as they impressed the global game with their entertaining brand of rugby, claiming four wins from four in a pool that included Ireland, Scotland, Samoa and Russia. They would go on to lose to eventual tournament winners South Africa in the quarter-finals.

Japan: 15 Ryohei Yamanaka, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 13 Timothy Lafaele, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Siosaia Fifita, 10 Yu Tamura, 9 Kaito Shigeno, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Lappies Labuschagné, 6 Michael Leitch, 5 James Moore, 4 Wimpie van der Walt, 3 Koo Ji-won, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Keita Inagaki
Replacements: 16 Kosuke Horikoshi, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Asaeli Ai Valu, 19 Jack Cornelsen, 20 Kazuki Himeno, 21 Tevita Tatafu, 22 Naoto Saito, 23 Rikiya Matsuda

Date: Saturday, June 26
Venue: Murrayfield
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère
Assistant Referees: Romain Poite, Pierre Brousset
TMO: Eric Gauzins

 

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