Aussies bracing for entertainers
or the Netherlands. The Volleyroos expect a tough battle against a Japanese outfit renowned for their strong defensive skills.
Australian veteran Travis Passier said the current Asian champions always pose a different kind of threat.
“Japan are a really tricky team to play,” Passier said.
“For us, it’s very much having to focus for the full points. With the other teams you will sort of have one or two rallies whereas Japan, pretty much every point you’re having to hit three or four times just to get the ball on the ground.
“It’s an exhausting battle with them because – like us, we try to keep the ball alive – but for them, it’s pretty much their whole game.
“They’re a difficult team but we know how to get over them, it’s just a matter of on the day that we do that same job as we’ve done before.”
Hailing from Toowoomba, the 28-year-old will enjoy having a large contingent of family on hand to watch the showdown.
It was in Toowoomba where Passier made a sudden rise to the top, using his giant frame to go from trialling for his school team to becoming an Australian youth player all in one year.
“When I was at the age of 13-14, I was six-foot-eight (203cm) so quite tall – it was a pretty quick succession from nothing to the top level,” he said.
From there, Passier made his senior national debut in 2006 and has played for clubs in Sweden, Denmark, Italy and Spain.
After undergoing hip and ankle operations in recent years, he will return to the European scene next season, landing a deal to play in Czechia with the Pribram outfit.