Canada v Japan: Teams
Japan will look to record their first Rugby World Cup win since 1991 when they tackle Canada.
Last Updated: 26/09/11 3:02am
Japan will look to record their first Rugby World Cup win since 1991 when they tackle Canada.
The Cherry Blossoms have endured a difficult time since their victory over Zimbabwe in Ulster - however they are targeting the game against Canada as one they can win.
Japan managed to draw with the Canucks in Bordeaux four years ago - while they have beaten them twice since then.
Japan coach John Kirwan said: "They're a really enthusiastic team so they'll bring a lot of energy.
"I think it's very, very important that firstly, we front up physically. Canada is very physical, they took the game to Tonga.
Refocus
"(Canada coach) Kieran Crowley's done a great job. I think they've gotten a lot better across the board and they've got some really good key players."
Japan have made two changes to their starting XV with Sione Vatuvei replacing the injured Itaru Taniguchi in the back-row, while prop Nozomu Fujita takes over from Kensuke Hatakeyama.
Canada have made just the one switch to their side with Matt Evans returning from injury to start on the wing the place of Ciaran Hearn.
And flanker Adam Kleeberger believes Canada need to be on their guard against Japan.
"This is their last game of the tournament," he said.
"It was the same situation when we played them in France (in 2007) - that was their last game of the tournament and they're a proud rugby nation.
"After a loss, you have to refocus. Tonga's done it (after Canada beat them 25-20) - it was a very emotional time for them. I think Japan are more than capable of doing the same."
Canada: 15 James Pritchard, 14 Matt Evans, 13 DTH van der Merwe, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Phil Mackenzie, 10 Ander Monro, 9 Ed Fairhurst, 8 Aaron Carpenter, 7 Chauncey O'Toole, 6 Adam Kleeberger, 5 Jamie Cudmore, 4 Jebb Sinclair, 3 Jason Marshall, 2 Pat Riordan (c), 1 Hubert Buydens.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Hamilton, 17 Scott Franklin, 18 Tyler Hotson, 19 Jeremy Kyne, 20 Sean White, 21 Nathan Hirayama, 22 Conor Trainor.
Japan: 15 Shaun Webb, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Alisi Tupuailai, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Hirotoki Onozawa, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Takashi Kikutani (c), 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Sione Talikavili Vatuvei, 5 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 4 Luke Thompson, 3 Nozomu Fujita, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements: 16 Yusuke Aoki, 17 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 18 Hitoshi Ono, 19 Toetuu Taufa, 20 Atsushi Hiwasa, 21 Murray Williams, 22 Bryce Robins.
