1
University student handed Japan Test debut vs England
By Jon Newcombe
Eddie Jones has selected a largely inexperienced squad for his first Test back as head coach of the Brave Blossoms, with rising star Yoshitaka Yazaki set to win his first cap at full-back against England in Tokyo on Saturday.
RPTV is the live and exclusive destination for fans wanting to watch the match, kick-off 06:50 (BST). Sign up here>>
The recently-turned 20-year-old started all three matches in Japan XV's recent World Rugby Pacific Challenge-winning campaign and he played at last year's World Rugby U20 Championship.
An electric runner, Waseda University's Yazaki has yet to make his first-class debut but has been earmarked for some time as one to watch.
Three other players are set to make their Test debuts as Japan attempt to beat England for the first time in five attempts at this level.
As he looks to develop his squad building up to Rugby World Cup 2027, particularly the front-row, Jones has also handed first caps to loose-head Takayoshi Mohara, hooker Mamoru Harada and openside Tiennan Costley.
Jones retains only three starting players from the 39-27 loss to Argentina at last year's Rugby World Cup that signalled their elimination from the tournament at the end of the pool stages.
Blindside Michael Leitch is one of the returnees and he has been named captain having led the team for the majority of Jones’ first spell in charge of the Brave Blossoms.
The 35-year-old, who has appeared at four Rugby World Cups, will captain Japan for the 37th time in his 85th having not worn the armband since Japan lost 39-31 to Ireland in July 2021.
Scrum-half Naito Saito and outside-centre, Dylan Riley, are the two other players to feature against Los Pumas in Japan's last Test.
Replacement forwards Keijiro Tamefusa and Kai Yamamoto and backs Shinobu Fujiwara and Samisoni Tua are set to win their first caps off the bench.
Japan team vs England: Yoshitaka Yazaki; Jone Naikabula, Dylan Riley, Tomoki Osada, Koga Nezuka; Seungsin Lee, Naoto Sato; Takayoshi Mohara, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi, Sanaila Waqa, Warner Dearns, Michael Leitch (capt.), Tiennan Costley, Faulua Makisi.
Replacements: Atsushi Sakate, Shogo Miura, Keijiro Tamefusa, Amanaki Saumaki, Kai Yamamoto, Shinobu Fujiwara, Rikiya Matsuda, Samisoni Tua.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments