INTERNATIONAL RUGBY UNION , JULY 22nd, 2023 ,
TANZAKI DOME, SOPPORO, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
The Japan Men’s national team, the Brave Blossoms take on Samoa on Saturday 22nd July 2023 as part of the three-match Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in International Rugby Union as the Japan Men’s national team, known as the Brave Blossoms, take on the formidable Manu Samoa on July 2nd, 2023. This highly anticipated match will be held at the Tanzaki Dome in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, and is part of the prestigious three-match Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series.
RWC 2023 Preparations and Key Match
As the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2023 rapidly approaches, the Japanese Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, is keen to witness a much-improved performance from his side. Despite playing twice this year, the match against Manu Samoa serves as the first real test for the season after their losses to the All Blacks XV. This fixture also carries added significance as both teams are set to face each other again in Toulouse during the Pool D clash at Rugby World Cup 2023.
A History of Battles
The Brave Blossoms have been in fine form against the Pacific Islanders, securing victories in their last three encounters. However, in the overall head-to-head record since their first meeting in 1991, Samoa has claimed victory in 11 out of 16 matches.
The Brave Blossoms’ co-captains Atsushi Sakate and Kazuki Himeno, along with four uncapped players, are selected to start for Japan for the first time in this momentous match. Veteran Michael Leitch, the former captain, will earn his 79th cap and start at number eight.
Challenging Task Ahead
According to Coach Joseph, the Pacific Nations Series serves as a vital stepping stone to Rugby World Cup 2023. The upcoming match against Samoa is a significant test for Japan, considering their past encounters with the formidable opponents. With a total of 16 past battles, Japan has only managed to secure five victories against Samoa, making this clash a true test of their mettle.
Manu Samoa’s Determination
For Manu Samoa, this match is their first test of 2023, and they are keen to prove their worth. Their last match in November 2022 resulted in a convincing 22-0 win against Romania in Bucharest. Excitingly, former Wallaby fly-half Christian Leali’ifano will make his Manu Samoa debut, adding to the team’s strength. Additionally, So’otala Fa’aso’o, set to win his first cap at number eight, along with potential debutants Charlie Faumuina, Miracle Fai’ilagi, and Martini Talapusi, are eager to make their mark.
RWC 2023 Fixture and Preparations
Both Japan and Samoa are in Pool D at RWC 2023, making their July 2023 match a crucial warm-up ahead of the pivotal fixture in France. The teams have been drawn in the same RWC pool for three consecutive tournaments, adding an extra layer of excitement and familiarity to their battles.
Exciting Times Ahead for Rugby Fans
In the lead-up to Rugby World Cup 2023, the Brave Blossoms will also take on Tonga and Fiji as part of the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series. The fans in Japan can look forward to four diverse and challenging opponents, including Italy, providing an excellent opportunity for Japan to hone their skills and gauge their performance before the prestigious tournament.
The upcoming clash between Japan Brave Blossoms and Manu Samoa promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams eager to showcase their rugby prowess. As they prepare for Rugby World Cup 2023, the Pacific Nations Series will be a true test for the Brave Blossoms, and Japan’s home matches against Samoa and other strong opponents will undoubtedly create an electrifying atmosphere in the rugby world.
RUGBY WORLD CUP, 2023, WARM-UP MATCH, JAPAN BRAVE BLOSSOMS v Italy
Saturday, August 26 2023 – Italy vs Brave Blossoms ,CAPPED TEST MATCH,
Stadio Comunale di Monigo, 18:30 Kickoff
Rugby World Cup 2023 Fixtures – Pool D
Sunday, September 10 2023 – Japan vs Chile @ Stadium de Toulouse.
Sunday, September 17 2023 – Japan vs England @ Stade de Nice,
Thursday, September 28 2023 – Japan vs Samoa @ Stadium de Toulouse
Sunday, October 8 2023 – Japan vs Argentina @ Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes.
This year the Samoan team get to play Japan twice. First up is the game this weekend at the Sapporo Dome and then during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in September as both teams are in the same pool.
The team has moved to the Kubota Spears rugby club’s facility and has been training in the Japanese summer.
Brave Blossoms : 1. Keita Inagaki 2. Atsushi Sakate 3. Jiwon Gu 4. James Moore 5. Amato Fakatava 6. Jack Cornelsen 7.Kazuki Himeno 8.Michael Leitch 9.Yutaka NAGARE 10.Seungsin Lee 11.Jone Naikabula 12.Shogo Nakano 13.Dylan Riley 14. KOtaro Matsushima 15. Ryouhei Yamanaka Reserve: 16.Shota Horie 17.Craig Millar 18.Shinnosuke KAKINAGA 19.Uwe Helu 20. Shouta Fukui 21. Saito Naoto 22. Rikiya Matsuda 23. Tomoki Osada
Manu Samoa: 15 Danny Toala, 14 Neria Foma’i, 13 Ulupano Seuteni, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Tumua Manu, 10 Christan Leali’iafano, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 So’otala Fa’aso’o, 7 Alamanda Motuga, 6 Taleni Seu, 5 Michael Curry, 4 Brian Alainu’uese, 3 Paul Alo-Emile (c), 2 Luteru Tolai, 1 Jordan Lay Reserve: 16 Ray Nivia, 17 Tietie Tuimauga, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Genesis Mamea-Lemalu, 20 Miracle Fai’ilagi, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Martini Talapusi, 23 Ed Fidow
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