**Six New Players In Japan's Lineup Against France**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Six New Players In Japan's Lineup Against France: A Bold Strategy or a Gamble?

The Rugby World Cup 2023 is in full swing, and Japan, the surprise package of the 2019 tournament, is facing a tough challenge in their opening match against France. The highly anticipated clash saw Japan field a vastly different lineup compared to their previous outings, with six new players taking to the field. This bold move has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike - was it a strategic masterstroke or a gamble that could backfire?

A Fresh Face for the Brave Blossoms

The new faces in the starting lineup were:

• Siosaia Fifita: The powerful prop replaces the experienced Koo Ji-won, bringing a different dynamic to the scrum.
• Kazuki Himeno: Returning from injury, the star flanker steps back into the starting lineup, adding his impactful presence to the back row.
• Shota Horie: A veteran with 85 caps, Horie takes over the captaincy and the hooker position from Atsushi Sakate.
• Timothy Lafaele: The experienced center makes his return after a long absence, replacing the young Ryoto Nakamura.
• Ryuji Noguchi: The exciting young scrum-half replaces the experienced Yutaka Nagare, adding a youthful spark to the backline.
• Kotaro Matsushima: The enigmatic winger returns to the starting lineup after being rested in their final warm-up match, bringing his world-class talent and experience.

This lineup shakeup indicates Japan's willingness to adapt and experiment, particularly in light of their recent struggles against Tier 1 nations. The inclusion of experienced players like Horie and Lafaele, alongside emerging talents like Noguchi and Matsushima, suggests a calculated approach to finding the optimal balance between experience and youth.

A Tactical Shift

Japan's coach, Jamie Joseph, has hinted at a strategic shift in their game plan, aiming for a more expansive and attack-minded approach. The inclusion of the athletic Fifita in the front row and the dynamic Noguchi at scrum-half could be a reflection of this shift. The return of the versatile Lafaele and the proven attacking threat of Matsushima also suggests a renewed focus on scoring tries.

The Gamble and the Potential

While this bold move shows the confidence in Japan's squad depth and their desire to challenge the best, it also carries a degree of risk. The lack of cohesion and experience among the new players could be a factor against a formidable French team. However, the potential rewards are significant. A strong performance against France would not only boost their confidence but also send a message to the rest of the world that Japan is a force to be reckoned with.

The opening match against France is a crucial test for Japan, and the outcome will likely determine the trajectory of their campaign. Regardless of the result, the bold selection strategy demonstrates their ambition and willingness to push boundaries. It will be fascinating to see if this gamble pays off in the long run.