JAPAN XV: Japan ready for Gloucester challenge

GLOUCESTER (Nov. 11) – Having lined up in front of the main stand at Kingsholm to observe a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day, the Japan national rugby team held their final training session ahead of Tuesday’s game against Gloucester.

Stand-in coach Scott Wisemantel had earlier named an inexperienced side, led by Takashi Kikutani, as Japan look to bounce back from defeats to New Zealand and Scotland.

“I thought we played fairly well against New Zealand and very well against Scotland for a fair period of time,” said Wisemantel after Monday’s captain’s run. “For the players playing tomorrow it’s really important they stake a claim for a test spot and show us they can play the Japan Way.”

Wisemantel said he was hoping a big crowd would be on hand as Japan take on one of the top teams in the English Premiership.

“The more we can play in front of a big stage the better it is for the players’ development,” he said.

Kikutani said it had been frustrating for the players not picked for the previous two test matches and he wanted them to rise to the challenge.

“It’s a good chance for us to play the Japan Way and play some high-tempo rugby,” he said. “Wisey hasn’t had a win as head coach so we want a game for him.”

Wisemantel said that for youngsters such as Kyosuke Horie and Kotaro Matsushima, Tuesday’s game was the perfect opportunity for them to show how good they are.

“It’s really important that they stake a claim for a test spot,” he said. “It will be good to see how they handle playing some European rugby.”

For a minimal fee, Tuesday’s game is being streamed live by the Gloucester club and can be seen on http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/news/9314.php#.UoDhcb85NUQ.