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Kirwan leads Japan into battle
Home stadium: Kintetsu Hanazono Rugby Stadium (25,194)
Nickname: The Cherry Blossoms
Number of rugby players in the country: 126,124
National rugby website address: www.rugbyjapan.com
Current national champions: Toshiba Brave Lupus
Strengths: The Japanese strength lies in their agility and speed. For most of the powerhouse nations, who pride themselves in using their big forwards, a team like Japan have the perfect mix for an upset. Whilst the Japanese players can maintain their level of fitness for the full 80 minutes, most opposition players will struggle to keep up to their tempo.
Weaknesses: What the Japanese have agility and pace, they lack in strength and raw power, with the majority of the players seen as lightweight compared to the bigger rugby nations. Their elusiveness will only get them so far, as opposition forwards will dominate throughout the 80 minutes, making the Japanese task nearly impossible.
History in the World Cup: 1987 - group stages; 1991 - group stages; 1995 - group stages; 1999 - group stages; 2003 - group stages
Prediction: Unfortunately for the Japanese, they have never been able to establish themselves as genuine contenders on the world stage. The 2007 World Cup should be no different. The most the Japansese can look to achieve is possible victories over Fiji and Canada, but that in itself will be a tough task. It looks increasingly likely that the Japanese will end the tournament with Pool B's wooden spoon.
Coach: Former New Zealand wing John Kirwan began his coaching career with Japanese club side NEC Green Rockets in 1999 before taking the role as assistant at Super 14 giants Auckland Blues. His first job on the international stage came as coach of Italy, a job which landed him much praise for the way in which he conducted the Italian team. He led the Azzurri to historic wins over Wales and Scotland. He was appointed by the JRFU in early 2007 and has been given the task to take the team to the 2007 Rugby World Cup. A disciplinarian who will look to play to Japan's strengths in the World Cup, particularly focusing on their fitness.
Key player: Ruatangi Vatuvei is a former Tongan national who now lives in Japan. With his rugby playing roots embedded in the Pacific Islands, the lock adds that little bit extra to a weak Japanese pack of forwards. His driving runs and ability to steal the ball from the line-out make him an indespensible member of the Cherry Blossoms team. His presence during the 2007 World Cup will be invaluable as Japan go in search of a memorable tournament.
Captain: Wing Daisuke Ohata was to be Japan's leader, but he succumbed to an achilles tendon injury shortly before the tournament. A replacement is yet to be named.
Team Nemesis: Korea, China and Chinese Tapei are seen as Japans closest rivals as they play against each other on regular occassions. Marc Ellis will forever be seen as a Cherry Blossom nemesis as he was the orchstrator of the humiliating 145-17 drubbing during the group stages of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
Likely headlines: 'Wallabies Daisuke Cherry Blossoms'
Price of a pint: E4.70
Rugby player/sheep ratio: Due to the Japan/Australia trade agreement, Australia managed to steal most of the Japanese sheep population.
