PNC Preview – Japan vs Fiji

A match that will be of interest to many Tier 1 fans will see Fiji opening their Pacific Nations Cup defense against Japan. Not only will it be the first test played at the newly constructed Unosumai Stadium in Kamaishi, it features the two highest-ranked teams in the competition with the Fijians tipped for a spot in the World Cup quarter finals by many.

After fielding a largely second-choice side in the second game against the Māori, John McKee has named a strong Fijian roster captained by veteran blindside flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu. 23-year-old Eroni Mawi is given his first start at loosehead prop while Albert Tuisue partners Leone Nakarawa at lock.

First choice halfbacks Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola return with Alivereti Veitokani switching back to fullback. Waisea Nayacalevu starts for the third straight match at outside center with Patrick Osborne and Filipo Nakosi on the wings. Absent are injured trio Semi Radradra, Vereniki Goneva, and Josua Tuisova.

Experienced Northampton lock Api Ratuniyarawa settles for a spot on the bench, while Clermont star Peceli Yato must wait his turn to run in the back row after re-joining the squad just a few days ago. Newcastle utility Josh Matavesi is again named on the bench.

Meanwhile Japan coach Jamie Joseph has sprung a major surprise with South African flanker Lappies Labuschagne handed the captaincy on debut. Incumbent skipper Michael Leitch settles for a spot among the reserves as Australia lock James Moore wins his first cap alongside 38-year-old Luke Thompson in the second row. Tighthead prop Asaeli Valu makes his first start after five caps as a replacement.

Sunwolves pair Kaito Shigeno and Yu Tamura will start in the halfbacks but the rest of the starting backline combines for only four Super Rugby appearances this season. Will Tupou is named at fullback despite playing his club rugby in the midfield, and Kotaro Matushima moves to the wing.

Reserve tighthead Yusuke Kizu is set to win make his test debut with Wimpie van der Walt sitting beside Leitch to cover lock. There is no place for Fumiaki Tanaka with Yutaka Nagare the backup scrumhalf and Rikiya Matsuda reprises his role as backup to Tamura at flyhalf.

Japan have beaten Fiji on three occasions but only once in the professional era, an upset win at Lautoka in the build-up to RWC 2011. Fiji have won all four matches since though all have been competitive. Having faced quality opposition in two matches already, expect the Fijians to be a step ahead of the Brave Blossoms in Kamaishi.

Kickoff is set for Saturday 2:50pm local time, Friday 10:50pm Pacific, Saturday 1:50am Eastern. NBC Sports Gold will broadcast in the USA with World Rugby providing digital streams on their media outlets.

JAPAN
1 Keita Inagaki, 2 Shota Horie, 3 Asaeli Valu, 4 James Moore, 5 Luke Thompson, 6 Kazuki Himeno, 7 Lappies Labuschagne (capt.), 8 Amanaki Mafi, 9 Kaito Shigeno, 10 Yu Tamura, 11 Kenki Fukuoka, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 13 Timothy Lafaele, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 15 Will Tupou

Replacements: 16 Atsushi Sakate, 17 Shogo Miura, 18 Yusuke Kizu, 19 Wimpie van der Walt, 20 Michael Leitch, 21 Yutaka Nagare, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Lomano Lemeki

FIJI
1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Manasa Saulo, 4 Albert Tuisue, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu (capt.), 7 Semi Kunatani, 8 Viliame Mata, 9 Frank Lomani, 10 Ben Volavola, 11 Patrick Osborne, 12 Levani Botia, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 14 Filipo Nakosi, 15 Alivereti Veitokani

Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Lee-Roy Atalifo, 19 Api Ratuniyarawa, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Jale Vatubua, 23 Josh Matavesi

Date: Saturday, July 27
Venue: Unosumai Stadium, Kamaishi
Kickoff: 14:50 local (Friday 22:50 Pacific, 01:50 Eastern)
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistants: Mike Adamson (SRU) & Cam Stone (NZRU)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZRU)
Broadcasts: NBC Sports Gold (USA), World Rugby