Rugby: Japan out to repeat history with test win against Wales
The Brave Blossoms defeated a touring Welsh team 23-8 at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground under Eddie Jones' "first administration" in June 2013, marking a major turning point in Japanese rugby, according to the head coach.
The 65-year-old Australian said the "breakthrough game" laid the foundation for Japan's 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, including their famous victory over South Africa.
Having returned as head coach and steered Japan to four wins in 11 matches last season, Jones is under pressure to deliver improved results, starting with Saturday's clash at Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu in southwestern Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture.
His opposite number, Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt, meanwhile, is aiming to snap a nightmare run of 17 consecutive test losses for the proud rugby nation.
Jones has selected eight uncapped players, plus a further eight with just 10 caps or less, in a squad captained by 87-test veteran Michael Leitch.
Center Dylan Riley, with 28 caps, is the next most experienced player in the side, which includes test debutants Yota Kamimori in the front row and Kippei Ishida on the wing. Ishida did not take part in Friday's final training, as a precaution for a muscle issue, but is expected to start.
New Zealand-born lock Warner Dearns, who is set to join Wellington-based Super Rugby side the Hurricanes in the 2026 season, will start at No. 5.
"We're looking forward to playing against a Welsh side that's in a similar situation to us, in having a young team rebuilding," Jones said after Thursday's team announcement.
Both teams have focused on acclimatizing for the high heat and humidity forecast for Kitakyushu.
"We know Kitakyushu is going to offer difficult conditions for both teams, and the team that handles the conditions best will win the game," Jones said.
Kobe Steelers flyhalf Lee Seung Sin is set to start at No. 10 in his 19th test for the Brave Blossoms.
"I understand that this is a very important match for Japanese rugby," Lee said at Friday's training. "I want to execute our plan without thinking about anything else."
The Brave Blossoms will play Wales in the second test on July 12 at Noevir Stadium Kobe.
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