Japan make 4 changes for Canada test

TOKYO (June 17) – Japan coach Eddie Jones named his side Monday for Wednesday’s IRB Pacific Nations Cup match with Canada at the Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.

The 23-man squad contains the same players who beat Wales 23-8 at the weekend. However, Jones has tinkered with the run-on XV, making four changes — all in the front five — from the side that started Saturday’s historic win. 

Yusuke Nagae and Kensuke Hatakeyama are both promoted from the bench and will pack down either side of Shota Horie in the front row, with Masataka Mikami and Hiroshi Yamashita dropping down to the replacements.

A similar move has been made in the second row with Shinya Makabe and Justin Ives earning a start, with Shoji Ito and Hitoshi Ono on the bench.

“The guys who started the last game worked really hard and in reality it’s asking too much for them to play three games in eight days,” said Jones. “So we want some fresh legs in the tight five and the option to make changes. It’s a reward for both parties – those that started the last game and those that finished.”

Elsewhere, the make-up of the side is exactly the same with Toshiaki Hirose leading his country from the right wing.

“The players recovered really well so it’s a really good step forward,” said Jones.

Canada come into the game in first place in the standings, having won their opening three games.

“It’s their last game in the PNC so they are going to put everything into it,” warned Jones.

Japan, meanwhile, prop up the table having lost to Tonga and Fiji. 

Following Wednesday’s game, the Brave Blossoms travel back up to Tokyo where they will take on the United States on Sunday.