• Home
  • /
  • Rugby
  • /
  • Japan Captain Benched As Coach Makes 4 Changes To Starting Team

Japan Captain Benched As Coach Makes 4 Changes To Starting Team

20 September 2019; Michael Leitch of Japan is tackled by Tagir Gadzhiev and Vasily Artemyev of Russia the 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Japan and Russia at the Tokyo Stadium in Chofu, Japan. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Mark Farrelly
By Mark Farrelly
Share this article

Japan's captain Michael Leitch will not start against Ireland this Saturday, as he drops to the bench amid four changes to the starting team that beat Russia last week.

Amanaki Mafi returns from injury to start in place of Leitch in the backrow, with Kazuki Himeno moving to no.6 while Pieter Labuschagne will captain the side from no.7.

Speaking about his decision not to start Leitch - who has struggled this year with injury - Japan's head coach Jamie Joseph explained: "Michael’s obviously our captain but if we’re going to be successful in achieving our goals, we’re going to have to have impact and experience off the bench, all the best teams in the world have a great bench."

Recommended

Among the other changes, Jiwon Koo comes into the front row while Joseph has gone for physical options on the wing to counteract Ireland's back three. William Tupou moves out to 11 after playing full back against Russia, with Ryohei Yamanaka coming into the side at no.15 at the expense of Lomano Lemeki.

In the second row, Luke Thompson, formerly of Blackrock College RFC many moons ago, comes into start a loosehead.

While Joseph has made a few changes to the team, judging by his comments they are with the intention of giving his side the best chance to beat Ireland rather than resting players for a potentially huge match against Scotland.

See Also: Strong Ireland Team Named To Face Japan

Advertisement
Join The Monday Club Have a tip or something brilliant you wanted to share on? We're looking for loyal Balls readers free-to-join members club where top tipsters can win prizes and Balls merchandise

Processing your request...

You are now subscribed!

Share this article

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com

Advertisement