The Brave Blossoms, who reached the quarter-finals at home four years ago, feature with XV de la Rose in Pool D, along with Argentina, Samoa and Chile.
Can Japan repeat their 2019 journey? “If we manage to make sure that everyone understands their role and that we are physically fit, we are capable of anything, as we did in 2019. We had a home World Cup and that was a blessing. The support and the impetus that the public gave to the team really helped us. But all that has disappeared. The pandemic, not Super Rugby (in which the Japanese Sunwolves franchise participated from 2015 to 2020, editor’s note), it is clearly a different preparation for this World Cup.
Has your team changed status since that quarter-final? “I think the opponents respect us more now. The big teams don’t take us lightly, which means they give their best and it’s really hard to win. All five matches last year were good for us. We’ve played some big test matches and that’s the kind of game we need. We don’t have enough.”
Moreover, your selection has played very little since? “When we play against New Zealand, the first week of July in preparation for the World Cup, almost seven months will have passed since our meeting against France (35-17 defeat ). It’s not ideal, but it has always been the case for Japan and the teams of the second “tier” (2nd world division, editor’s note). So we have to make sure that our preparation is perfect. But the Japanese have a huge work ethic.”
How do you envisage the clash against England (September 17), very disappointing during the last Six Nations Tournament? “The fact that they had a little trouble during the Six Nations was predictable because it takes time for teams to build with a new coach. They lost their coach (Eddie Jones, sacked last December and replaced by Steve Borthwick, editor’s note) which made them lose their momentum. The coaches are preparing for a major event like the World Cup and Eddie is a master planner. I think the team has suffered a bit, but it will be better thanks to that.”
What are the strengths of your selection? “Our strengths are our investment and the way we prepare. We also have a very attacking game that relies on our physical condition, our skill and our speed. It’s a slightly less orthodox game than our opponents. We know that England and Argentina will put a lot of pressure on us, but we can also create pressure in different ways.
And the weaknesses? “It will be managing the physical dimension that big teams put into each important phase of the game, while taking on the pressure and the commitment, without forgetting the importance of the kicking game (.. .) We don’t have enough squad depth. We arrive with two or three injured players in key positions, it is difficult to find a player of the same level.
Who will be the favorite teams for this World Cup? “Australia is under construction and now has a new coach (Eddie Jones, editor’s note), the All Blacks will be there or thereabouts, South Africa will be strong, France have beaten everyone in the last two years. Ireland play great rugby, Scotland play well. I think it will be the most balanced World Cup for some time.
