TEST RUGBY: Samoans in Japan

30.10.2010
Samoa v Japan in Tokyo

Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground

Referee:

Preview
Japan and Samoa play each other in a test match for the second time this season. They previously met in June during the Pacific Nations Cup tournament played in Samoa. Samoa went on to win the tournament but Japan had the satisfaction of defeating them 31-23.

As I expected Samoa has not called upon any of their European-based players. That means that players like David Lemi, Gavin Wuilliams, George Stowers, Joseph Tekori, Kane Thompson, Felipo Levi, Sakano Taulofo, Mahonri Schwalger (the captain), Manu Salavea and Census Johnson, who were available for this years Pacific Nations Cup, and who all play in Europe, are not available for this match. Also missing are either well known locals or New Zealand-based players like Uale Ma'i, Paul Williams, Junior Poluleuigaga and James Afoa. These players leave huge gaps which are impossible to fill. This Samoa team, made up of New Zealand, Australian or home based players, and fielding 9 new caps in the squad of 22, will find the outing in Tokyo tough going. The Samoan side that will play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup will be very different from this squad.

A Samoan team, and I would hope it would include all the above missing players, will tour Europe in November, playing tests against Ireland, England and Scotland.

John Kirwan will be able to field an experienced side in the first of two autumn test internationals. The second is against Russia, also here in Tokyo, on November 6.

Last Five Encounters
19.06.2010 Japan 31-23 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
18.06.2009 Samoa 34-15 in Sigatoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
05.07.2008 Samoa 37-31 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
16.06.2007 Samoa 13-3 in Sendai (Pacific Nations Cup)
17.06.2006 Samoa 53-9 in New Plymouth (Pacific Nations Cup)

Prior to June, you have to go back to 1998 for Japan's last win over Samoa, in the Pacific Rim tournament days.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table
Samoa 11th, Japan 14th

IRB Ranking Points
Samoa 72.74, Japan 71.92

Prediction: Japan should win easily, by 20 points.

Teams

Japan
15. Ayumu Gorumaru (Yamaha) Age 24, 10 Tests
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 29, 32
13. Koji Taira (Suntory) 27, 22
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 31, 23
11. Horotoki Onozawa (Suntory) 32, 57
10. James Arlidge (Northampton, England) 30, 23
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 25, 20
8. Ryuko Holani (Sanyo) 29, 12
7. Toetu’u Taufa (Kintetsu) 30, 16
6. Takashi Kikutani (Toyota), Capt. 30, 33
5. Toshizumi Kitagawa( Toyota) 29, 31
4. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 29, 25
3. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 25, 14
2. Shota Horie (Sanyo) 24, 8
1. Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo) 24, 9
Replacements
16. Hiroki Tuhara (Toshiba) 26, 4
17. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe) 27, 17
18. Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 32, 43
19. Michael Leitch (Tokai University) 22, 12
20. Koji Wadi (Toyota) 25, 4
21. Bryce Robins (NEC) 30, 22
22. Alisi Tupuailei (Canon Eagles) 29, 9

Head Coach: John Kirwan

http://www.jrfu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=366:the-lipovitan-d-challenge-2010-japan-v-samoa-&catid=39:mens-15-a-side

Samoa
15. Lolo Lui (Moata’a) Age 28, 20 tests
14. Mikaele Pesamino (Vailele) 26, 5
13. Joshua Tatapu (Otago, New Zealand) 23, 0
12. Jamie Helleur (Auckland, New Zealand) 26, 3
11. Sinoti Sinoti (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) 25, 0
10. Joshua Keil (Warringah RFC, Australia) 27, 1
9. Kahn Fotuali’I (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand 28, 0
8. Richard Muagututia (SCOPA) 22, 0
7. Afa Aiono (A’ana) 22, 0
6. Ofisa Treviranus (Malie) 26, 10
5. Maselino Paulino (Le”auva’a) 22, 1 (v NZ 2008)
4. Simaika Mikaele (Valiele) 32, 8 (Last test v PNG 2009)
3. Anthony Perenise (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) 28, 3
2. Andrew Williams (Marist) 25, 6
1. Logovi’i Mulipola (Don Bosco) 23, 1 (v PNG 2009)
Replacements
16. Viliamu Afatia (Vailoa) 20, 0
17. Simon Lemalu (Countie Manukau, New Zealand) 29, 10
18. Levi Asi Faamutaia (Vailele) 22, 0
19. Falemiga Selesele (Moata’a) 21, 2
20. Fa’atalatala Fagosoia (Tepatasi) 23, 0
21. Lafela La’au )Tepatasi) 21, 0
22. Uarotafou Setu (Sunnybank RFC, Australia) 23, 1

Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua