[RWC19 Warm-Up] - Japan vs. South Africa

[TRF_heineken]

Venue: Kumagaya Athletic Stadium
Time: 12:15 CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Date: 06 September 2019
​

Teams

Japan:
15 William Tupou, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 13 Timothy Lafaele, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Kenki Fukuoka, 10 Yu Tamura, 9 Kaito Shigeno, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Michael Leitch (captain), 5 Uwe Helu, 4 Luke Thompson, 3 Koo Ji-won, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Keita Inagaki

Substitutes: 16 Takuya Kitade, 17 Isileli Nakajima, 18 Asaeli Ai Valu, 19 James Moore, 20 Yoshitaka Tokunaga, 21 Yutaka Nagare, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Ataata Moeakiola

South Africa:
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Frans Steyn, 23 Jesse Kriel

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I know what I'm having for lunch on Friday..





If its not obvious; Revenge. Cold.

Lets ruin that 100% win ratio of Japan over us.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_rugby_union_matches_between_Japan_and_South_Africa

 

[TRF_heineken]

I know what I'm having for lunch on Friday..





If its not obvious; Revenge. Cold.

Lets ruin that 100% win ratio of Japan over us.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_rugby_union_matches_between_Japan_and_South_Africa

Please listen to Robbie Wessels' new song "ons eet alles" - It will just put you in a good mood while watching and eating.

I'm inclined to call a client and go on an extended business lunch on Friday...

 

[TRF_heineken]

The bok team has been announced and added to the OP.

I have a suspicion that it will be the same side that will play against the AB's, should there be no injuries.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

That is pretty much the first choice 23 for the Boks right? And likely to face the ABs in that first pool match?

edit: just read your post Heineken.

 

[TRF_heineken]

That is pretty much the first choice 23 for the Boks right? And likely to face the ABs in that first pool match?

I think it is. Maybe a few tweaks at prop with Beast and Nyakane starting possibly. But yeah, this is the same starting line-up that played against the AB's in Wellington apart from 1 player. So I think this is the same side that will face the AB's in the opening round.

 

[SomeOke]

I think Nkosi is first choice but he's literally the only change I think we will see against the ABs, Frans Steyn should have been thrown in for 80 minutes to see if he's up for it, but I understand wanting continuity.

 

[Brigantine]

For comparison, what was the Boks squad in the 2015 game compared to the 1st choice at that time? Total 2nd string?

 

[TRF_heineken]

For comparison, what was the Boks squad in the 2015 game compared to the 1st choice at that time? Total 2nd string?

The 2015 team was:

South Africa: Kirchner; Habana, Kriel, de Villiers, Mvovo; Lambie, Pienaar; Mtawarira, B du Plessis, J du Plessis, De Jager, Matfield, Louw, du Toit, Burger.

Replacements: Pietersen for Mvovo (71), Pollard for Lambie (58), du Preez for Pienaar (58), Nyakane for Mtawarira (55), Strauss for B du Plessis (54), Etzebeth for De Jager (69), Kolisi for du Toit (58) Oosthuizen for J du Plessis (58).

Matfield was past his prime, PSDT was playing at flanker for the first time, Kirchner wasn't supposed to be there. Oh and Jean De Villiers was there too...

It wasn't per se our best team, but there was a lot of other issues at that time that we don't have this time. We were severely undercooked prior to that WC, and didn't have a lot of warm-ups before it started. There was a lot of political pressure on Heyneke Meyer and his squad selections, plus the old favouritism tag he had for a few players who might not have been in the best form or shape.

Plus our game plan was also something to not talk about...

Overall the team was pretty good, but I think our current team is a lot better, in every position

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

The issue was that we pitched up thinking we've already won. Those one off runners didn't help. Factor in the lack of continuity ITO players, the Eddie Jones and Romain Poite factors, Japan was undefeated heading into that match as well..

We were murdered at the breakdown, outenthused, our one off runners thought they'd bulldoze Japan but we were taken low and swamped at the breakdown. Mostly I didn't agree with Poite's interpretation of how the breakdowns went but we should've been able to adapt. I mean heading into the fixture Poite was a known factor..

Just a very poor game from us overall even if it was a good result for rugby as a sport on the whole- why did it have to be us!?

 

[User1245]

The issue was that we pitched up thinking we've already won. Those one off runners didn't help. Factor in the lack of continuity ITO players, the Eddie Jones and Romain Poite factors, Japan was undefeated heading into that match as well..

We were murdered at the breakdown, outenthused, our one off runners thought they'd bulldoze Japan but we were taken low and swamped at the breakdown. Mostly I didn't agree with Poite's interpretation of how the breakdowns went but we should've been able to adapt. I mean heading into the fixture Poite was a known factor..

Just a very poor game from us overall even if it was a good result for rugby as a sport on the whole- why did it have to be us!?

It's okay, Japan beat NZ in Sevens at the Olympics the following year... the most watched sporting event in the world

 

[Johnny Storm]

Strong Bok team, but I certainly wouldn't put off Japan winning this game by 5 points - Tails up, unbeaten record, home crowd etc.

Incidentally are SA still the only foreign RWC team in Japan, or has anybody else now joined them?

 

[TRF_heineken]

Strong Bok team, but I certainly wouldn't put off Japan winning this game by 5 points - Tails up, unbeaten record, home crowd etc.

Incidentally are SA still the only foreign RWC team in Japan, or has anybody else now joined them?

Just SA atm.

the Other teams start arriving this coming weekend after their last warm-up game.

 

[Leinster Fan]

Kirchner wasn't supposed to be there.

Sorry for side tracking the thread but how on earth did Zane Kirchner make it into that squad? As a Leinster fan I'm genuinely curious.

 

[Brigantine]

Japan is a known element this time around - it's basically the Sunwolves (minus some mercenaries). I presume nearly all the Boks play SR right? (17/23 do, plus 4 in Eng, 2 in Fra)

The Sunwolves never did great, and I think the only trick they have up their sleeve is actually fielding the same team 2 weeks in a row.

The few games they have won:
2019: Chiefs, Waratahs
2018: Reds, Stormers, Bulls
2017: Bulls, Blues
2016: Jaguares. (and a draw with Stormers)

Other than South Africa in 2015, the only T1 scalp since then has been Italy in June 2018, and a draw with France in Nov 2017.
In Nov 2018 they were leading England at half time, but lost by 20. That wouldn't have been against a 1st choice selection though.

The WR Rankings give Japan a 17% chance here, but no one actually expects Japan to win this. The best case is to score some tries and prepare for the all important pool game vs Scotland.

I'm hoping for a Japan vs South Africa QF though.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Sorry for side tracking the thread but how on earth did Zane Kirchner make it into that squad? As a Leinster fan I'm genuinely curious.

He was one of the most critisized players to be included in the squad as everyone felt that Willie Le Roux and Pat Lambie would be our first choices at fullback. But HM decided that Lambie would only play fly half in the tournament even though he had Morne Steyn and Handre Pollard also there.

Then Kirchner got a start against Japan. But bear in mind he was one of the better players on the field that day. But yeah, HM had a tendency to pick his Bulls players over others, even if it hurts me to admit that.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

The more I think about it the more I like this fixture.

The SA public through the Sunwolves' inclusion are now much moer familiar with the Japanese test team. There are also a number of South Africans in the Japanese squad whcih always adds some spice if any additional spice was necessary seeing as this is the 'grudge' match. Also a possible QF so good to get more aquainted with the host nation.

 

[User1245]

Aghh, these warm up matches make me nervous. They feel risky.

Strong team, not sure this is the strongest team though? Nkosi in for Mapimpi, Kriel in for Am and Nyakane in for Malherbe would closer to full strength in my opinion. Will be interesting to see what they try out in the match.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Aghh, these warm up matches make me nervous. They feel risky.

Strong team, not sure this is the strongest team though? Nkosi in for Mapimpi, Kriel in for Am and Nyakane in for Malherbe would closer to full strength in my opinion. Will be interesting to see what they try out in the match.

Horses for courses I guess.

But I agree on Malherbe, and like the journo's are writing, I tend to agree that Frans needs to have a good showing to prove he's not worse than Nyakane.

But yeah, I dread these warm-up games, like the Argentina game, one wrong move, and a guy's world cup dream might be over like in Marcell Coetzee's case.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Updated the OP. Not a bad Japan team at all. Game on.

 

[Gena_ZA]

This can go in any direction on the day and I simply want this done with no injuries to either side.
Good tough game, Japan playing their hearts out but Boks natural ability winning fairly comfortably in the end.
+1 for getting to know the conditions better and get settled in their campaign

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I like Japan a lot, and obviously they're at home and there's the 2015 game etc., but surely this is a pretty comfortable win for South Africa?

Is it just Springbok fans not wanting to count their chickens before they're hatched or have I missed the period where Japan became a legitimate top 3 tier 1 international side...?

 

[Gena_ZA]

first part of the latter and with so many good things going for us we don't want and need any derailment in our preparation

 

[rugga658]

Horses for courses I guess.

But I agree on Malherbe, and like the journo's are writing, I tend to agree that Frans needs to have a good showing to prove he's not worse than Nyakane.

But yeah, I dread these warm-up games, like the Argentina game, one wrong move, and a guy's world cup dream might be over like in Marcell Coetzee's case.

SA fans/media are getting way ahead of themselves regarding Nkosi

Argentina defence from Tucalet & Moyano was pathetic for both tries in Pretoria'

Moreover Mapimipi was the Sharks best player in Super Rugby along with Bosch
Nkosi was nowhere to be seen in comparison

Finally Mapimipi & Kolbe are able to play #11 + #14 whilst Nkosi only plays #14

It's the Best 23 players available for the Boks minus Elton Jantjes

No chance F Steyn is backup #10 against Tier 1 teams Guys has 30 mins at most
as impact plyaer

 

[rugga658]

I like Japan a lot, and obviously they're at home and there's the 2015 game etc., but surely this is a pretty comfortable win for South Africa?

Is it just Springbok fans not wanting to count their chickens before they're hatched or have I missed the period where Japan became a legitimate top 3 tier 1 international side...?

I expect Boks to beat the crap out of Japan to expunge the memory of 2015 game

50 point hammering would not be a shock if Boks go all out

Japs played well against Fiji but Fijians were utter garbage & way below their best

 

[TRF_heineken]

I like Japan a lot, and obviously they're at home and there's the 2015 game etc., but surely this is a pretty comfortable win for South Africa?

Is it just Springbok fans not wanting to count their chickens before they're hatched or have I missed the period where Japan became a legitimate top 3 tier 1 international side...?

I think it's just the unknown factors involved. This will be the first time SA will ever play an international test in Japan.

The players we have in our squad who have played in Japan all say that the conditions in Japan is very tough and tiresome.

But with that said, I think we are all cautious because we want the cup and we feel that we have a squad that can go all the way to the finals, but we know that we face the All Blacks in our pool, so our mentality is more so on the AB's than on this Japanese fixture.

I think we'll win comfortably, but I don't expect a blowout or a runaway score.

 

[SomeOke]

This is a strong Japanese team, but we are going to smash them, have no fear boyos.

I think because we are used to seeing the Sunwolves team occasionally pull upsets over our unions we have gotten paranoid. This isn't a union team this is the Bokke, and not only is it the Bokke but it's our first string side.

If we lose I will live stream Seppuku, because I will have nothing left to live for.

Edit: Agreed with Heineken about Malherbe, honestly he's been coasting on his spot for a while, no reason to with Koch/Nyakane and Louw in the wings.

 

[unrated]

SA fans/media are getting way ahead of themselves regarding Nkosi

Argentina defence from Tucalet & Moyano was pathetic for both tries in Pretoria'

Moreover Mapimipi was the Sharks best player in Super Rugby along with Bosch
Nkosi was nowhere to be seen in comparison

Finally Mapimipi & Kolbe are able to play #11 + #14 whilst Nkosi only plays #14

It's the Best 23 players available for the Boks minus Elton Jantjes

No chance F Steyn is backup #10 against Tier 1 teams Guys has 30 mins at most
as impact plyaer

Shark fan here who actually watched every match in Super rugby and followed the form. Nkosi was injured for a period, then Fassi and Mapimpi played with Kobus van Wyk coming in occasionally.
When Nkosi came back he was great! They started to play Fassi at Fullback with Nkosi and Mapimpi on the wings. I literally have not seen Nkosi have a bad game, I don't know where this idea comes from.
He currently has 7 tries in 8 games playing for the Springboks against tier 1 nations. His record is comparable with Julian Savea in his heyday in terms of try conversion rate.

He is a strong ball carrier/catcher/high ball catcher/ stepper/tackler.

I would pick Nkosi and Mapimpi on the wings and put Kolbe on Fullback (in a Damian McKenzie kind of role)
If you insist on Kolbe at wing then I would as a Shark fan with a love for the Springboks play Nkosi instead of Mapimpi.

I love Mapimpi and I think he is super deadly on the attack but Nkosi is also deadly on the attack just slightly slower than Mapimpi but that is offset by being much better than Mapimpi on defence and being a devilish stepper.

 

[Brigantine]

I like Japan a lot, and obviously they're at home and there's the 2015 game etc., but surely this is a pretty comfortable win for South Africa?

Is it just Springbok fans not wanting to count their chickens before they're hatched or have I missed the period where Japan became a legitimate top 3 tier 1 international side...?

It's funny. You wouldn't rate Japan vs Australia or Scotland. People just seem to think that Asian teams get a bonus against African teams somehow.

South Africa sure counted their chickens in 2015 - and watching that game didn't look like Japan just capitalized on some South African mistakes, they knew what they were doing and had confidence.

Those Rugby 10-14 guys were talking about the hurt factor, and how it applies to Wales, Ireland, France, Scotland and England, but they overlooked South Africa there.
South Africa will be well prepared and get a blowout in their first ever win over Japan. That bonus is a myth.

 

[Kapa O Pango]

Looks like a very strong Boks 23.

I do prefer The Beast and Big Trevor starting.