PNC Preview – Japan vs Tonga

After upsetting pre-tournament favorites Fiji in Kamaishi, Japan will look to take another step towards the Pacific Nations Cup title when they host Tonga in Osaka on Saturday. Matches between the two sides have been traditionally very competitive but the Brave Blossoms were comprehensive winners in their neutral-venue clash at Toulouse in November 2017.

The Ikale Tahi came up short against Samoa in the Apia mud on Saturday but welcome back five experienced players to the squad this week. Steve Mafi is fit to start in the second row in place of the injured Sam Lousi, while Dan Faleafa comes in on the blindside flank as Sione Vailanu drops to the bench. Fotu Lokotui gets the start at openside and Sefo Sakalia runs out at hooker.

First choice halfback pairing Tane Takulua and Latiume Fosita should make a considerable impact, as will the return of captain Siale Piutau in the midfield. Afa Pakalani is recalled on the left wing with Nafi Tuitavake and Tevita Halaifonua swapping jerseys. Paul Ngauamo is named as reserve hooker with no sign of Elvis Taione in the match day 23.

There are five changes made by Japan coach Jamie Joseph. Wimpie van der Walt replaces James Moore in the second row, and there are new flankers in Yoshitaka Tokunaga and captain Michael Lietch. The latter steps in for Lappies Labuschagne who is rested after his injury scare on the weekend.

Yutaka Nagare is the new starting scrumhalf with Kaito Shigeno dropping to the bench. The same switch comes on the left wing as Lomano Lemeki and Kenki Fukuoka swap places. Only one further change is made to the 23 with Uwe Helu nominated as second row cover.

Given home field advantage and the huge psychological boost of victory over the Fijians, Japan should be considered clear favorites. They also claim greater continuity at key positions than their Tongan counterparts and based on form the Ikale Tahi also come second best. Pick the Brave Blossoms by a comfortable margin.

Kickoff is set for 7:10pm local time, 3:10am Pacific, 6:10am 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 Luke Thompson, 5 Wimpie van der Walt, 6 Michael Leitch (capt.), 7 Yoshitaka Tokunaga, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 9 Yutaka Nagare, 10 Yu Tamura, 11 Lomano Lemeki, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 13 Timothy Lafaele, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 15 Will Tupou

Replacements: 16 Atsushi Sakate, 17 Shogo Miura, 18 Yusuke Kizu, 19 Uwe Helu, 20 Kazuki Himeno, 21 Kaito Shigeno, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Kenki Fukuoka

TONGA
1 Paea Fa’anunu, 2 Sefo Sakalia, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 4 Steve Mafi, 5 Leva Fifita, 6 Dan Faleafa, 7 Fotu Lokotui, 8 Ma’ama Vaipulu, 9 Tane Takulua, 10 Latiume Fosita, 11 Afa Pakalani, 12 Cooper Vuna, 13 Siale Piutau (capt.), 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 15 Tevita Halaifonua

Replacements: 16 Paul Ngauamo, 17 Toma Taufa, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Ohehunga Havili, 20 Zane Kapeli, 21 Sione Vailanu, 22 Leon Fukofuka, 23 James Faiva

Date: Saturday, August 3
Venue: Hanazono Stadium, Osaka
Kickoff: 19:10 local (03:10 Pacific, 06:10 Eastern)
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (FFR)
Assistants: Luke Pearce (RFU) & Brendon Pickerill (NZRU)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZRU)
Broadcasts NBC Sports Gold (USA), World Rugby