Japan looking for improved performance

TOKYO (Nov. 7) – Japan go into Saturday’s game with the Maori All Blacks knowing they will need a much improved performance if they are to end the Maori’s 17-game winning streak.

Last week’s 61-21 defeat to the same opponents came on the back of numerous turnovers and coach Eddie Jones is hopeful his side will have learnt from the game.

“We have had a much better week of preparation and the players have a better understanding of how they need to play,” he said Friday following the captain’s run at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

“The players are excited and want to show the fans the result of all their hard work and put in a performance that is worthy of the fans’ praise.”

Jones said the front row, and in particular props Keita Inagaki and Kensuke Hatakeyama, had an important role to play as “it all starts with the set piece.”

“The back row is also going to be very important tomorrow. It’s a big ask for Amanaki (Lelei Mafi) as he hasn’t played that much senior rugby. But he will be a better player at the end of the game than at the start. Hendrik Tui and Michael Leith also need to make an impact in terms of their ball carries and their tackles.”

Inagaki, who is starting his first game for the senior national team – though the game is not an official test – said it was important to put pressure on the Maori early on and that way the team could play a Japanese style of rugby for the fans.

“Playing an unstructured team like the Maori, communication is going to be really important when defending,” he said.

Karne Hesketh is also making his first start for a Japan XV, and the New Zealand born wing said he was looking forward to the experience.

“I just want to get my hands on the ball as much as possible, hit the gain line and add some energy,” he said.