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By APD writer Alice
Japan have made the necessary preparations to achieve their goal of earning a berth in the Rugby World Cup 2019 quarterfinals, according to head coach Jamie Joseph.
At an event to launch their World Cup campaign in Tokyo last weekend, Joseph said the entire squad shared a sense of purpose ahead of Japan's curtain-raising Pool A clash against Russia on September 20.
"We are a well-prepared team, both physically and mentally," Joseph said. "Our players, our coaches, are totally aligned. We understand what our roles are, whether it's the coaching staff, or the medical staff, or the players."
After winning the Pacific Nations Cup last month, Japan finished their World Cup preparation with a 41-7 loss to South Africa on September 6, in a match that showed the gulf that still remains between the Brave Blossoms and rugby's elite nations.
But Joseph said the test against the Springboks at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium had provided his side with the ideal rehearsal for the World Cup on home soil.
With world No. 2 Ireland heavy favorites to top Pool A, No. 10 Japan's hopes of advancing most likely rest on beating Scotland, currently ranked seventh, in Yokohama on October 13.
Joseph said he and his players know the importance of a strong performance at the September 20 to Nov. 2 World Cup for sustaining interest in rugby among the Japanese public.
Captain Michael Leitch echoed Joseph's sentiments, saying the team was ready to execute its game plan after ticking all the boxes in the lead-up to the tournament.
"We have prepared well for our goal of making the quarterfinals. We just want to approach the World Cup one match at a time and play to our ability," Leitch said.
Veteran forward Luke Thompson, who is set to appear at his fourth World Cup, said he had never seen a Japan team as well prepared as this year's side.
While Japan suffered injury scares involving two key players against South Africa, Joseph said the team had "good news" about the condition of winger Kenki Fukuoka and No. 8 Amanaki Lelei Mafi.
"Kenki has got a bit of bleeding in his calf muscle. It isn't as serious as he thought early in the game," Joseph said. "As I understand it, it's a Grade 1 muscle strain. Mafi has got a (sore) shoulder but he'll be fine."
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
