Joseph Names Side for Tonga Clash

TOULOUSE, France (Nov. 17) Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named one new cap in his side for Saturday’s test against Tonga at Stade Ernest Wallon.

Tighthead prop Koo Ji Won is set to make his international debut in a side that shows five changes and two positional switches from the team that ran out on Nov. 4 in Yokohama against Australia.

“They are very big men and very physical and that’s the way they play the game,” Joseph said of the ‘Ikale Tahi.

“We want to play our brand of rugby and move those bigger more physical players around a bit,” he explained. “But at some stage we are going to have to confront (their physicality) and it’s going to be a very tough game.”

Koo packs down alongside Keita Inagaki and hooker Shota Horie in the front row with Shinya Makabe and Wimpie van der Walt forming a new pairing in the second row.

Michael Leitch leads the side from 7, having played at 6 against Australia, while Kazuki Himeno shifts from lock to openside flanker with Amanaki Lelei Mafi at No. 8.

Yu Tamura returns to the side at 10 and partners Fumiaki Tanaka with Harumichi Tatekawa and Timothy Lafaele retaining their places in the midfield.

Kenki Fukuoka has recovered from the flu and returns on the wing in place of Ryuji Noguchi, who is sitting a university exam, with Lomano Lava Lemeki on the right wing and Kotaro Matsushima at fullback.

On the replacement bench, Atsushi Sakate and props Asaeli Ai Valu and Shintaro Ishihara cover the front row with Shunsuke Nunomaki and Fetuani Lautaimi the two other replacement forwards.

Yutaka Nagare, Sione Teaupa and Yoshikazu Fujita are the reserve backs.

Japan and Tonga have played each other 16 times, with the Brave Blossoms winning seven of the encounters.