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Venue: Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa
Time: 09:15 CAT (SA, GMT+2)
At least Samoa should provide a physical test, but I know what you mean. Similar situation for South Africa though.Ireland should be able to rotate well now and rest some players. Don't even need to BP, just win all their games. Only issue I can see is they won't have a real test before the QF's so could be a bit too relaxed potentially.
Ireland should be able to rotate well now and rest some players. Don't even need to BP, just win all their games. Only issue I can see is they won't have a real test before the QF's so could be a bit too relaxed potentially.
I'd expect Japan to improve significantly from the Russia game, the pressure seemed to get to them but they're coming into this as heavy underdogs so they might be able to play with a bit more freedom. I hope for their sake that the lights were the reason for their difficulty under the high ball last time because if they aren't far far better there Conor Murray will destroy them. And as you say without wanting to be arrogant anything other than total dominance from our pack would be a surprise.Japan were bloody ordinary against Russia and Joseph actually looked a bit stunned by it in the post match interview. I know there is talk of the lights making high balls difficult but i think Matsushima can be a good fullback option if Fukuoka is fit.
I'm not sure how Japan can even begin to get any change out of the Irish pack, even if it was second string.
I was leaving off POM purely because unless he is indeed completely fine (which he could well be) there's no need to rush him back for this game. Ruddock is a good alternative for the captaincy.Wouldn't write off Japan after game 1. Nerves etc olay a part. Think POM will play for captaincy reason alone.
I do agree we need to rotate but not take this game for granted. Still need to get the job done correctly.
I think guys like Ruddock who are pure squad players will not be involved as we will keep it very strong here and then come Russia and Samoa we rotate which gives the lads the bones of 2 weekends off
Ruddock is a decent alternative as a captain but not for a game that means something. Like I think this game can't be treated too lightly. Best shouldn't play simply die to facy he played 80mins and the 6days is not enough.I'd expect Japan to improve significantly from the Russia game, the pressure seemed to get to them but they're coming into this as heavy underdogs so they might be able to play with a bit more freedom. I hope for their sake that the lights were the reason for their difficulty under the high ball last time because if they aren't far far better there Conor Murray will destroy them. And as you say without wanting to be arrogant anything other than total dominance from our pack would be a surprise.
Thinking about it I don't think we'll see too many second string players, we're playing Russia five days after so anyone who doesn't start here will probably start there, and the majority of the best team will always be picked for the stronger opposition (in this case Japan).
I was leaving off POM purely because unless he is indeed completely fine (which he could well be) there's no need to rush him back for this game. Ruddock is a good alternative for the captaincy.
Agree about team strength especially taking the turnover against Russia into account, the only non-binary related changes I'd expect would be Scannell and potentially Conan.
Love how the 10 is just a topless dude. The most powerful animal of all.Japanese TV explaining rugby positions using... animals Look about right?
It's Dave Kilcoyne if you look closely.Love how the 10 is just a topless dude. The most powerful animal of all.
The difference in ability to play rugby between the two teams is obvious.
Part of me as a Japanase fan believe "The miracle of Brighton" again, however.
The absense of Sexton will be unfortunate for me because I'm looking forward to his performance.
If you want to know more about the Japanese TV programs explaining rugby positions using animals ,
see the below. The programs were made by NHK. NHK in Japan is like RTÉ in Ireland.
nhk.or.jp/sports-story/detail/20190724_3880.html
You can understand the "FW" position by using animals.
nhk.or.jp/sports-story/detail/20190725_3881.html
You can understand the "BK" position by using animals.