Japan Vs Fiji Preview

Japan Vs Fiji Preview
By Andrew Collins
September 12 2007

Japan are set to kick off their second match in Pool B, although in actual fact all 30 men starting the game will take part in their first match of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Japanese coach John Kirwin names a side with fifteen changes to the side that lost 91-3 to Australia last week, proving that that side was Japan's second string side.

As for Fiji, it's their first match of the tournament, as they had the opening round off due to the odd numbers in the group.

Fiji are without Maleli Kunavore, Filimone Bolavucu and Ifereimi Rawaqa due to injury, but are still favorites in what promises to be a very entertaining match.

But don't write Japan off just yet, they've gone through major changes since the Kirwin revolution, expect an exciting, fast, running match, that could produce one of the most entertaining fixtures of the Cup so far.

Japan:
Aruga; Loamanu, Imamura, Onishi, Endo; Robins, Yoshida; Nishiura, Matsubara, Soma, Ono, Thompson, Makiri, O'Reilly, Miuchi (capt).

Inokuchi, Yamamura, Kumagae, Asano, Yatomi, Taira, Onozawa.

Fiji:
Ratuvou; Delasau, Rabeni, Bai, Naivua; Little, Rauluni (capt); Dewes, Koto, Qiodravu, Lewere, Lewaravu, Naevo, Qera, Koymaibole.

Sauturaga, Railomo, Talei, Ratuva, Dunivucu, Lovobalavu, Ligairi.