Star Players
How They've Fared
Since the last world cup, Japan has employed a new coach, and set up a new team culture and game strategy that is a little bit more ambitious, but by no means unrealistic. Eddie Jones brings with him a particular style that seems to combine well with the Japanese team to unlock their full potential. In the past couple of years this Japanese team have accomplished some incredible feats, such as beating Wales at home, and Samoa away. Furthermore they have reached a point where they are a level above traditional tier 3 rivals of the USA, Canada, and Russia. To summarise this Japanese team has been progressing well, in order to peak at the World Cup 2015, and then go on to develop further for when Japan hosts the World Cup in 2019. Lining up against South Africa, Samoa, Scotland, and the USA in Pool B, Japan have a real chance at reaching the quarters. South Africa may be a bridge too far, however if they continue to progress, and remain committed they have a chance at upsetting Scotland, and Samoa, as well as the USA.
19/09 Vs. South Africa
Brighton Community Stadium
23/09 Vs. Scotland
Kingsholm
03/10 Vs. Samoa
Stadium MK
11/10 Vs. USA
Kingsholm
Kohei Kozakai
Traditionally Japan have called on the bulk of their squad from the local Japanese top league clubs, for the most part born and bred local talent, as well as some players born from overseas countries. It was not until 2013 that Japanese players started moving towards other competitions, players such as Fumiaki Tanaka, Shota Horie, Mali Sau, and Harumichi Tatekewa all impressed overseas scouts from New Zealand and Australia, and have developed exceptionally from their respective environments.