With a poor excuse for a Pacific Nations Cup lined up for this year, the two nations have taken it upon themselves to schedule an extra match to act as a warm up. The problem is it’s outside the IRB test window, which means Samoa must field a woefully understrength team comprised largely of locally-based players with very little, if any, test experience. In fact the majority of the Samoan side won’t see any time at all in the upcoming June tests, so one wonders what the point of this exercise is after all.
Only five players in the starting lineup for the Manu have any professional experience, with nominated captain Anitele’a Tuilagi by far the most recognizable name. Towering lock Maselino Paulino acts as vice-captain and pack leader, and is joined by Japan-based Fa’atiga Lemalu in a serviceable second row combination. The back row have all been used on the IRB Sevens circuit, as do most of the backs along with the reserves.
Bustling Bristol centre Fautua Otto is shifted out on the wing, with former Queensland Reds outside back Brando Va’aulu preferred in the midfield alongside Tuilagi. Misioka Timoteo is a tough customer at the back of the scrum but perhaps hasn’t yet delivered on his early promise. Six players make their test debuts at kickoff while another four wait on the bench, among them former taekwondo Olympian Kaino Thomsen, who recently gave up the martial art to return to rugby.
Japan, by contrast, field a vastly experienced side featuring second row Hitoshi Ono, who is set to win his record-setting 82nd cap, eclipsing winger Hirotoki Onozawa. Having officially qualified for the upcoming World Cup, coach Eddie Jones has sent Male Sa’u and Shota Horie back to the Melbourne Rebels, but retains Brumbies signing Harumichi Tatekawa. Interestingly he swaps jerseys with Yu Tamura, with the latter switched to inside centre after playing flyhalf for the previous three tests.
A dynamic back row is led by new captain Michael Leitch, who himself narrowly missed out on a Super Rugby contract as he continues his return from long-term injury. Atsushi Hiwasa is a like-for-like replacement for Fumiaki Tanaka at scrumhalf, and the trusted boot of Ayumu Goromaru is again at fullback. Former Natal Sharks academy member Kotaru Matsushima is picked at outside centre, where his low centre of gravity could prove useful.
Though the edge in size and physicality clearly favours the Samoans, the speed and cohesiveness of the Japanese attack should prove more than a match. The fledgling Manu team that could be described as 3rd string at best should be overwhelmed reasonably early in the second half. If the Brave Blossoms don’t win this one at a canter it should be viewed as a massive let down. Take the home side by 25.
JAPAN vs SAMOA
Friday, May 30, 10:00 GMT, Tokyo
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
Assistants: Dudley Phillips (IRFU) & TBA (IRFU)
TMO: n/a
