Japan's injured Holani out of World Cup

Japan No.8 Ryukoliniasi Holani was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup on Sunday with a knee injury, becoming the team’s second player to withdraw.

Holani, 29, was diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after Japan’s brave 47-21 defeat to European heavyweights France in their opening match on Saturday.

Holani joins Justin Ives on the sidelines after the New Zealand-born lock failed to recover from a left knee problem and was replaced by Yuji Kitagawa. The Japan Rugby Football Union said Toetsu Taufa will replace Holani.

AFP