The forthcoming international rugby test between Japan and Georgia is creating a significant amount of excitement, particularly with the announcement of some notable changes in the Japanese team’s line-up. One of the most discussed adjustments is the expected move of captain Michael Leitch to the second row. Moreover, university student Yoshitaka Yazaki is poised to earn his second cap at fullback. These alterations are aimed at aligning with the vision of “super-fast” Japanese rugby team as set by head coach Eddie Jones.
Jones, who has recently returned to his position as head coach of the Brave Blossoms, has conveyed his confidence in Leitch’s abilities in his new role. The decision to transition Leitch from the back row to the second row is a strategic one, and Jones is hopeful about the potential impact of the captain in containing Georgia’s formidable forwards.
The coach’s strategy also includes the selection of quick flankers Faulua Makisi and Kanji Shimokawa, as well as Tevita Tatafu at No. 8. Naoto Saito, who is due to join French club Toulouse in the upcoming season, will start as scrumhalf for the upcoming test. With this line-up, Jones aims to bring a dynamic and agile energy to the Japanese team.
In terms of current rankings, Japan holds the 12th spot in the World Rugby rankings, placing ahead of Georgia by two positions. The upcoming match is expected to be an intense battle on the field, as both teams strive to secure a victory. The Brave Blossoms have a track record of five wins and one loss in their previous encounters with Georgia, adding an extra layer of anticipation to this highly anticipated test.
The line-up of the Japanese team for the upcoming clash against Georgia is as follows:
Takayoshi Mohara, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi; Michael Leitch, Warner Dearns; Faulua Makisi, Kanji Shimokawa, Tevita Tatafu; Naoto Saito, Lee Seung Sin; Tomoki Osada, Samisoni Tua, Dylan Riley, Jone Naikabula, Yoshitaka Yazaki.
Reserves:
Atsushi Sakate, Takato Okabe, Keijiro Tamefusa, Sanaila Waqa, Tiennan Costley, Taiki Koyama, Takuya Yamasawa, Koga Nezuka.
As the stage is set for this thrilling international rugby test, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this exciting clash between two formidable teams. It is bound to be a fiercely contested match that will keep rugby enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.