Jones shake-up Japan for France challenge
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Eddie Jones has made six changes to the side that will face France in Paris on Saturday.
Among the backs are Toulouse scrumhalf Naoto Saito, centre Siosaia Fifita and wing Tomoki Osada.
The trio comes in for Shinobu Fujiwara, Nicholas McCurran and Yoshitaka Yazaki from October’s 19-64 hammering at the hands of New Zealand.
In the forwards – loose forward Kanji Shimokawa, lock Epineri Uluiviti and hooker Mamoru Harada replace Amato Fakatava, Sanaila Waqa and Atsushi Sakate for Saturday’s clash at the Stade de France.
Bordeaux-Begles No.8 Tevita Tatafu is named on the bench as experienced flyhalf Harumichi Tatekawa continues to wear the captain’s armband.
“We’ve picked our strongest 23 for this game,” Jones told reporters.
“We’ve welcomed back Tevita and Saito from the French league.
“Both are those in are good condition,” the former England and Australia coach added.
Midfielder Fifita makes first Test appearance since last year’s World Cup having recovered from a leg injury.
“It’s nice to have Fifita back,” Australian Jones said.
“He’s come back in really good condition and certainly will add to the team,” he added.
Following the clash against France, Japan will face Uruguay on November 16 and England eight days later.
Japan: 15 Malo Tuitama, 14 Jone Nakiabula, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Siosaia Fifita, 11 Tomoki Osada, 10 Harumichi Tatekawa (captain), 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Faula Makisi, 7 Kazuki Himeno, 6 Kanji Shimokawa, 5 Warner Deans, 4 Epineri Uluiviti, 3 Shuhei Takeuchi, 2 Mamoru Harada, 1 Takato Okabe.
Replacements: 16 Kenta Masuoka, 17 Yukio Morikawa, 18 Keijiro Tamefusa, 19 Amato Fakatava, 20 Tevita Tatafu, 21 Shinobu Fujiwara, 22 Yusuke Kajimura, 23 Takuro Matsunaga.
Date: Saturday, November 9
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Kick-off: 22.10 GMT (07.10 Sunday, November 10 Japan time)
Referee: Damian Schneider (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
