**Six Changes For Japan Ahead Of France Test**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Six Changes For Japan Ahead of France Test

The Rugby World Cup 2023 is in full swing, and Japan, after a thrilling victory against Chile, is gearing up for a monumental clash against the formidable French team. With the stakes high, Head Coach Jamie Joseph is expected to make some key changes to his lineup, aiming to counter the French threat and secure a crucial win.

Here are six changes we could see in the Japanese starting XV for the France match:

1. Back-Row Reinforcements: The back row is likely to see significant reshuffling. With the bruising nature of the French pack, a more experienced and physical presence is required. Shota Horie, known for his leadership and strong scrummaging, could replace Keita Inagaki at hooker. Kazuki Himeno, the standout flanker, might return from injury, adding crucial power and dynamism to the team.

2. Second-Row Depth: Luke Thompson, who delivered a solid performance against Chile, could be given the nod over James Moore in the second row. Thompson's size and strength would be valuable assets against the imposing French forwards.

3. Centre Shift: Timothy Lafaele, with his impressive ball-carrying ability, could be shifted to the centre position to provide a more direct attacking threat against the French defense. This would necessitate a change in the midfield, potentially seeing Ryoto Nakamura move to outside centre.

4. Scrum Stability: The scrum, a crucial area of the game, needs to be stable against the powerful French pack. Expect to see Takuma Asahara and Yutaka Nagare, known for their scrumming strength, in the starting lineup.

5. Wing Power: Siosaia Fifita, the powerful winger, could return to the starting lineup after a strong performance against Chile. His explosiveness and ability to break tackles would be a valuable asset against the French defense.

6. Fly-Half Focus: Lee Seung-Sin is likely to start at fly-half, aiming to orchestrate the attack and provide a calm presence for the team. His accurate kicking and experience will be vital in countering the French tactical game.

Beyond the Lineup:

Apart from these potential lineup changes, Japan will be looking to refine their game plan to effectively counter the French style of play. This could involve:

• Focusing on High-Ball Defence: The French are renowned for their aerial dominance, and Japan will need to be precise in their high-ball defense to prevent dangerous turnovers.
• Exploiting French Weaknesses: The Japanese coaching staff will be studying the French team's vulnerabilities, hoping to exploit them through strategic attack and clever defensive tactics.
• Maintaining Discipline: Against a team like France, discipline is paramount. Japan will need to avoid penalties and yellow cards, as even a slight lapse in discipline can give the French the advantage.

A Tough Test Awaits:

The match against France will be a significant test for Japan. While the French are considered favorites, the Japanese team possesses the talent and the fighting spirit to pull off an upset. These potential changes in the lineup, combined with smart tactics, could lead to a thrilling and unpredictable match.

Japan's performance against France will be closely watched as they strive to prove their mettle on the world stage and make a strong statement in the Rugby World Cup 2023.