Welsh to the fore as the Rugby World Cup prepares to dazzle
THERE will be a strong Welsh presence when the Rugby World Cup opens today in Tokyo.
Nigel Owens will take charge of host nation Japan’s opening game against Russia at the Tokyo Stadium (1145BST).
The world’s No.1 referee is completing a remarkable double, having also taken charge of the final match of the 2015 competition.
Japan include eight players that defeated South Africa four years ago, while Luke Thompson could become the first player to feature for the Brave Blossoms in four World Cups.
Russia will have a big Welsh contingent on the touchline, including Lyn Jones and Shaun Connor, as they look to create an upset.
“Japan are entering the game as favourites. Let me be frank, we have a 20% chance in this game,” Jones told the BBC. “But that’s just on paper. Our preparation started only a year ago, but I appreciate what we have done since then.
They are very fast, nobody makes mistakes. We appreciate the way Japan play but we also want to touch the (try) line, do well and enjoy ourselves. We have players who can touch the line.”
Tupou; Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Lemeki; Tamura, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Ai Valu, Van der Walt, Moore, Leitch (c), Labuschagne, Himeno. Reps: Sakate, Nakajima, Koo, Thompson, Tui, Tanaka, Matsuda, Yamanaka.
Artemyev (c); Davydov, Ostroushko, Gerasimov, Golosnitskiy; Kushnarev, Dorofeev; Morozov, Selskii, Gotovtsev, Ostrikov, Fedotko, Zhivatov, Gadzhiev, Vavilin. Reps: Matveev, Polivalov, Bitiev, Garbuzov, Sychev, Perov, Gaisin, Sozonov.
Japan: Russia:
■ Coach Michael Cheika has reunited David Pocock and Michael Hooper in the Australia back row as his side begin their World Cup tomorrow (0545BST) against Fiji in Wales’ Pool D.
Pocock and Hooper, who are both specialists around the breakdown, last started together for Australia in a win over Italy in November.
Fiji have named lock Leone Nakarawa, number eight Viliame Mata and wing Josua Tuisova in a powerful line-up.
Australia coach Michael Cheika said: “We do our absolute best and wherever the cards fall, I’ll be absolutely proud of my team. They’ve put in so much work so far against a background of pressure from off the field, not on it.”
Fiji coach John McKee said: “We know Australia are a very good team and present a big challenge for us but, because of our preparation, I know that our team is mentally and physically ready for that challenge.”
Beale; Hodge, O’Connor, Kerevi, Koroibete; Lealiifano, White; Sio, Latu, Alaalatoa, Rodda, Arnold, Pocock, Hooper (c), Naisarani. Reps: Uelese, Slipper, Kepu, Coleman, Salakaia-Loto, Genia, To’omua, Haylett-Petty
Murimurivalu; Tuisova, Nayacalevu, Botia, Radradra; Volavola, Lomani; Ma’afu, Matavesi, Ravai, Cavubati, Nakarawa, Waqaniburotu (c), Yato, Mata, Reps: Vugakoto, Mawi, Saulo, Ratuva, Voka, Matawalu, Veitokani, Goneva.
Australia: Fiji:
■ France fly-half Romain Ntamack will make history when he lines up against Argentina in his team’s Rugby World Cup opener in Tokyo tomorrow (0815BST).
Ntamack will take to the field as Les Bleus’ chief playmaker in the crucial Pool C clash and, in doing so, he will follow in his father Emile’s footsteps by playing at a World Cup. The older Ntamack represented his country at the 1995 and 1999 World Cups.
Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma has named a strong starting XV. Agustin Creevy, Juan Figallo and Nicolas Sanchez will all appear in a third World Cup after being named in the run-on side,
Medard; Penaud, Fickou, Vakatawa, Huget; Ntamack, Dupont; Poirot, Guirado (c), Slimani, Iturria, Vahaamahina, Lauret, Ollivon, Alldritti. Reps: Chat, Baille, Bamba, le Roux, Picamoles, Machenaud, Lopez, Ramos.
Boffelli; Moroni, Orlando, de la Fuente, Moyano; Sanchez, Cubelli; Chaparro, Creevy, Figallo, Petti, Lavanini, Matera (c), Kremer, Desio. Reps: Montoya, Vivas, Medrano,
France: Argentina:
Alemanno, Lezana, Ezcurra, Urdapilleta, Carreras.
■ Beauden Barrett will start at fullback for New Zealand’s Pool B opener against South Africa in Yokohama tomorrow (1045BST).
The 28-year-old slots into the 15 shirt to accommodate attacking playmaker Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf, with Ryan Crotty starting at inside centre.
Springboks No.8 Duane Vermeulen will be appearing in his 50th Test as one of 22 players who will, in fact, be appearing in their fourth match together this season.
B Barrett; Reece, Lienert-Brown, Crotty, Bridge; Mo’unga, Smith, Moody, Coles, Laulala, Whitelock, S Barrett, A Savea, Cane, Read (c). Reps: Taylor, Tuungafasi, Ta’avao, Tuipulotu, Frizell, Perenara, SB Williams, Smith.
le Roux,; Kolbe, Am, de Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, de Klerk; Kitshoff, Marx, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (c), du Toit, Vermeulen. Reps: Mbonambi, Mtawarira, Nyakane, Snyman, Louw, H Jantjies, F Steyn, Kriel.
New Zealand: South Africa: