Japan wary of Samoa backlash in key match
>> TOYOTA: Hosts Japan go into this weekend’s Rugby World Cup clash with Samoa as favourites after winning their last two meetings.
But after the heartbreak of missing out on the quarter-finals four years ago, the Brave Blossoms know there’s still work left to do.
After beating Russia 30-10 and then stunning Ireland 19-12 to top Pool A, Japan will be hoping to take a giant step against the Samoans.
“We will be hoping to target the bonus point,” said winger Kotaro Matsushima, mindful that Scotland loom in their final group fixture.
“But first we have to make sure we get the job done and win the game.”
Samoa began with a comfortable 34-9 win over Russia but were hammered 34-0 by Scotland in their next game.
Japan coach Jamie Joseph insisted that will make the Pacific islanders dangerous opponents in Toyota today.
“They lost their game against Scotland and they’ll be hurting,” said the former All Black.
“They’ve had some tough times but they’re the sorts of things that usually bring the team tight together, so we’re expecting a really physical and tough game.”
Talismanic leader Michael Leitch returns to Japan’s back row after being dropped to the bench against Ireland.
That news clearly riled the Kiwiborn flanker, who played like a man possessed when he came on after 30 minutes in Shizuoka.
Pieter Labuschagne retains the captaincy after an impressive first outing as skipper but Joseph insisted Leitch was still the leader in the dressing room.
“Michael is still our team captain — there’s no doubt about that,” he said.
“But the first reason why we put Michael on the bench last week is we really focused on him getting his rugby right — and it worked particularly well.”
Atsushi Sakate starts at hooker and Wimpie van der Walt comes in at lock as coach Jamie Joseph made three changes.
“Obviously Samoa will come out firing because they are playing to stay in the tournament,” said Jospeh, who has considerable bench strength in the likes of Shota Horie and Fumiaki Tanaka.
“We feel that extra experience at the end of the game is going to be crucial.”
Samoa have won 11 of the 15 Tests played between the sides but it has been seven years since they last emerged victorious.