SA-born trio in Japan World Cup squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named his 2019 World Cup squad.
South African-born players Lappies Labuschagne and Wimpie van der Walt have both been included in the 31-man squad, which consists of 18 forwards and 13 backs.
The other South African-born player is Kotaro Matsushima who was born in Pretoria and was part of the Sharks’ youth structures.
Labuschagne, who is a former Bulls and Cheetahs player, moved to Japan in 2016 to play for the Kubota Spears. He has also represented the Sunwolves in Super Rugby.
Van der Walt represented Western Province, Southern Kings and the Bulls while he was in South Africa. The 30-year-old signed for the NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes back in 2013 and he has also played for the Sunwolves.
He has 12 Test caps to his name for Japan.
Michael Leitch will captain the team.
Joseph promised the hosts would “give 150 percent” to reach the World Cup Final.
“The team has set a goal of making the top eight for the first time in the history of Japanese rugby,” Joseph told reporters.
“The staff and players will give 150 percent — whether that’s enough only time will tell.
“Our game is based around speed, skill and structure,” added the former All Black. “But the key difference this year is we are fit enough now to play that game. We’re training at a level of intensity that’s 25 percent higher than our matches — I think that’s our key weapon.”
Japan famously won three games at the 2015 World Cup under Eddie Jones, including an astonishing 34-32 victory over two-time champions South Africa.
As hosts, Japan will kick-off the World Cup against Russia at the Tokyo Stadium on Friday, September 20.
Currently ranked ninth in the world after capturing their third Pacific Nations title, the Japanese also take on Ireland, Scotland and Samoa in Pool A as they target a place in the knockout stage for the first time.
【日本代表】
日本ラグビーフットボール協会は、9月20日（金）に開幕する「ラグビーワールドカップ2019（#RWC2019）」へ向けた日本代表最終登録メンバー計31名を決定しました→https://t.co/cA70bBuVKz #rugbyjp #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/IAyyYxFo7T— 日本ラグビーフットボール協会 (@JRFUMedia) August 29, 2019
Japan World Cup squad:
Forwards: Keita Inagaki, Yusuke Kizu, Jiwon Koo, Isileli Nakajima, Asaeli Ai Valu, Takuya Kitade, Atsushi Sakate, Shota Horie, Luke Thompson, Wimpie van der Walt, Uwe Helu, James Moore, Hendrik Tui, Yohitaka Tokunaga, Michael Leitch (captain), Lappies Labuschagne, Kazuki Himeno, Amanaki Mafi.
Backs: Kaito Shingeno, Fukiaki Tanaka, Yutaka Nagare, Yu Tamura, Rikiya Matsuda, Kenki Fukuoka, Ataata Moeakiola, Lomano Lemeki, William Tupou, Timothy Lafaele, Kotaro Matsushima, Ryohei Yamanaka.
Additional source: AFP
