Japan team for RWC opener announced

BRIGHTON, England (Sept. 17) – Japan coach Eddie Jones has named his 23-man squad to take on South Africa on Saturday in the opening game of Pool B at the Rugby World Cup.

Michael Leitch will lead the side against the two-time world champions in the first ever test between the two sides.

“He is a terrific guy and a bloody good player,” Jones said of his captain. “He is one of our most important ball carriers, is captain of the team and carries a lot of weight,”

Leitch lines up in the back row along with Michael Broadhurst and Hendrik Tui with the veteran pair of Luke Thompson and Hitoshi Ono in the second row.

The front row sees props Masataka Mikami and Kensuke Hatakeyama packing down either side of Shota Horie.

“The central piece to any game is the set piece and it’s an area of the game we must compete in,” Jones said.

In the backs, Fumiaki Tanaka lines up with Kosei Ono at halfback with Male Sa’u and Craig Wing in the centres.

Kotaro Matsushima and Akihito Yamada are named on the wings with Ayumu Goromaru at fullback.

“It’s no secret we want to play with ball in hand and we want to run them around,” Jones said.

The bench sees Takeshi Kizu, Keita Inagaki and Hiroshi Yamashita as the back-up front row. Shinya Makabe and Amanaki Lelei Mafi provide a powerful option in the second and back row, while Atsushi Hiwasa, Harumichi Tatekawa and Karne Hesketh are the reserve backs.

“It’s a real David versus Goliath game,” Jones said. “South Africa have the greatest winning record in World Cup history. They are a massive physical team with plenty of experience. Japan have the least winning record in the World Cup and have the smallest team. But it is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.”

 *Captain