Tanaka, Horie named in starting XV

OSAKA (May 6) – Fumiaki Tanaka and Shota Horie are set to return to the international fold Saturday after they were named in the starting XV for the first test against Wales at Hanazono Stadium.

The pair missed the HSBC Asian Five Nations and the first two games of the IRB Pacific Nations Cup as a result of their commitments in Super Rugby with the Highlanders and Melbourne Rebels, respectively.

Hooker Horie is one of three changes in the pack, which also sees one positional switch, while scrumhalf Tanaka forms an all-new halfback pairing with Harumichi Tatekawa.

“They have brought so much back with them from their time in Super Rugby,” said head coach Eddie Jones. “They approach training knowing that every time they have to do something it is important. And they really help with the communication of the team.”

Tanaka won rave reviews for his performance last week against the Blues, coached by former Japan coach John Kirwan.

“He adds a running game and makes sure the ruck defense have to keep an eye on him,” said Jones.

The other changes in the pack, besides Horie, see Hiroshi Yamashita come in at tighthead prop, Shoji Ito named at lock with Michael Broadhurst moving to flanker.

Broadhurst started last week’s game against Fiji at lock, but moved to the side of the scrum when Michael Leitch was stretchered off.

There are three other changes in the backs and one positional switch, with Tatekawa moving from inside center to flyhalf, and Craig Wing moving up from the bench to inside centre as Jones looks to counter the Welsh line speed.

“Tatekawa is by far our most go forward flyhalf and Wing is a good solid defender, who can also carry the ball through the Welsh defence,” explained Jones.

Young wings Kenki Fukuoka and Yoshikazu Fujita are both handed starting roles as Jones looks to play a wide, high-paced game.

“We need pace and we need to score tries. If we get the opportunities we have to finish them off and score points.”