Preview: Canada v Japan

Japan will be out to end a 20-year World Cup winless streak in Tuesday's Pool A match against Canada in Napier.

Japan will be out to end a 20-year World Cup winless streak in Tuesday's Pool A match against Canada in Napier.

Brave Blossoms have one last chance to taste victory at the global showpiece for the first time since their one-and-only RWC success against Zimbabwe in Belfast back in 1991.

The closest Japan have come in the 17 intervening games was a draw against none other than Canada in Bordeaux four years ago. Indeed, the men from the Land of the Rising Sun have a good record against the Canucks, having won both their most recent clashes – in 2009 – in convincing fashion.

But while coach John Kirwan's side certainly impressed against France, the manner in which they were outmuscled by Tongan (31-18) on Wednesday has left some doubts as to whether they can finally break their duck.

When the chips were down the Blossoms were as brave as usual but lacked the composure needed to get the job done in a game that was within their reach.

Canada also did well for large parts of their match against the French until – like Japan – they buckled in the final quarter. But unlike their opposition on Tuesday, the Canadians where able to take their chances against Tonga and match the Islanders' physicality to clinch a 25-20 win.

“They're a really enthusiastic team so they'll bring a lot of energy,” Kirwan said of Canada.

“I think it's very, very important that firstly, we front up physically. Canada is very physical, they took the game to Tonga,”

“(Canada coach) Kieran Crowley's done a great job. I think they've gotten a lot better across the board and they've got some really good key players.”

“We know we played badly (against Tonga). We're not good enough to play badly and win.

“We looked at the game and the guys realised we lost the game rather than got beaten. We know how important this game is for all of us.

“We can still have a positive World Cup with our first win in 20 years. We're upset, disappointed, but we're turning that into the motivation that we need to play on Tuesday.”

Canada flanker Adam Kleeberger, outstanding in the match against France when the Canucks held Les Bleus for an hour, said the focus would be on lasting the full 80 minutes against Japan.

“The main thing is the 80-minute effort. We played solidly for 60 minutes (against France), but there is that last 20 there where we couldn't finish things off and fell apart on some of our structures,” Kleeberger said.

“So it's just keeping the mindset towards the end of the game.”

Kleeberger said his team were well aware of similarities between this World Cup and the 2007 edition when the Japan snatched a draw thanks to a last-minute conversion by Shotaro Onishi.

“This is their last game of the tournament,” he said.

“It was the same situation when we played them in France (in 2007) – that was their last game of the tournament and they're a proud rugby nation.

“After a loss, you have to refocus. Tonga's done it (after Canada beat them 25-20) – it was a very emotional time for them. I think Japan are more than capable of doing the same.”

Japan have made two changes to their starting lineup: Tonga-born flank Sione Vatuvei replaces Itaru Taniguchi, who has a calf strain, while prop Nozomu Fujita takes over from Kensuke Hatakeyama, who moves to the reserves.

There is just one change to the Canadian side with Matt Evans returning from injury to start on the wing the place of Ciaran Hearn.

Players to watch:

For Canada: Fly-half Ander Monro caught the eye with a solid display against France that included a fantastic drop goal executed in the smallest of gaps. His ability to direct traffic and keep the Japanese pinned back with accurate kicking will be vital. It'll also be a special day for centre Ryan Smith, who earns his 50th cap.

For Japan: Usually one of Japan's main attacking weapons, Kosuke Endo impressed against Tonga (he gained 73 metres as well as securing four turnovers) but has not had too many chances to add to his 17 Test tries. It's now or never!

Head-to-head: Japan have looked slick on attack, but without the ball, the best attacking moves are useless. Canada will look to will the battle of the loose forwards and deprive the Blossoms of the possession needed to unleash their backs.

Previous results:

2009: Japan won 27-6 in Tokyo
2009: Japan won 46-8 in Miyagi
2007: Draw 12-12 in Bordeaux
2005: Japan lost 10-15 in Tokyo
2004: Japan won 34 -21 in Tokyo
2001: Japan won 39 -7 in Tokyo

Betting odds: Canada 2/5 – Japan 15/8

Prediction: We reckon the bookies have been a bit harsh on the Japanese, but we agree that the Canucks should edge it. Canada by less than seven points.

The teams:

Canada: 15 James Pritchard, 14 Matt Evans, 13 DTH van der Merwe, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Phil Mackenzie, 10 Ander Monro, 9 Ed Fairhurst, 8 Aaron Carpenter, 7 Chauncey O'Toole, 6 Adam Kleeberger, 5 Jamie Cudmore, 4 Jebb Sinclair, 3 Jason Marshall, 2 Pat Riordan (c), 1 Hubert Buydens.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Hamilton, 17 Scott Franklin, 18 Tyler Hotson, 19 Jeremy Kyne, 20 Sean White, 21 Nathan Hirayama, 22 Conor Trainor.

Japan: 15 Shaun Webb, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Alisi Tupuailai, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Hirotoki Onozawa, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Takashi Kikutani (c), 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Sione Talikavili Vatuvei, 5 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 4 Luke Thompson, 3 Nozomu Fujita, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements: 16 Yusuke Aoki, 17 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 18 Hitoshi Ono, 19 Toetuu Taufa, 20 Atsushi Hiwasa, 21 Murray Williams, 22 Bryce Robins.

Date: Tuesday, September 27
Kick-off: 17:00 (06:00 GMT)
Venue: McLean Park, Napier
Weather: Dry. Daytime max 18°C, min 7°C
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (RSA)
Assistant referees: Bryce Lawrence (NZL); Matt Goddard (AUS)