**Japan Rugby: Six Changes Ahead Of France Test**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Japan Rugby: Six Changes Ahead of France Test

The Japanese national rugby team is gearing up for a crucial test against France on November 12th, and head coach Jamie Joseph has unveiled six changes to the starting lineup. These changes reflect a strategic shift to combat the formidable French side, known for their physicality and tactical prowess.

Key Changes to Watch

1. New Faces in the Front Row: The forward pack sees the introduction of two new players: Sione Havili, who will start at loosehead prop, and Keita Inagaki, who takes on the tighthead prop role. These changes aim to bring fresh energy and power to the scrum, a crucial battleground against the French.

2. New Look at Lock: The lock position will feature Jack Cornelsen and James Moore. Cornelsen, who impressed in the recent Autumn Nations Series, will be looking to solidify his place in the starting lineup, while Moore brings his experience and leadership to the pack.

3. Backline Reshuffle: The backline sees a significant reshuffle with Ryoto Nakamura starting at fly-half, replacing Takuya Yamasawa. Nakamura's accurate kicking and playmaking abilities will be key to orchestrating the attack against a strong French defense. Joining him in the backline will be Tim Lafaele, who will start at center alongside Dylan Riley.

Japan's Strategies Against France

These changes are not simply about player rotation; they reflect a tactical shift in Japan's approach. The team will need to find ways to counter France's physicality and capitalize on their own attacking prowess.

• Attacking with Pace and Precision: Expect Japan to prioritize a fast-paced, expansive game, looking to exploit any gaps in the French defense through creative running and offloads.
• Disciplined Set Pieces: The scrum will be a key area of focus, with Japan aiming to maintain their own scrum dominance while disrupting the French pack.
• Defensive Resilience: France is renowned for its powerful attacking game, so the Japanese defense will need to be strong and organized, preventing any easy scores.

Looking Forward

The match against France will be a formidable test for the Brave Blossoms. It's a chance for Japan to showcase its progress since the Rugby World Cup and gain valuable experience against a top-tier nation. These changes in the starting lineup signal a determined approach from Coach Joseph, who will be looking for his team to deliver a strong performance on the international stage. The result will be a valuable indicator of Japan's potential as they continue to strive for excellence in the global rugby landscape.