Maybe Goromaru last season at Reds

The 30-year-old Goromaru and Henrik Tui will line up against some of their Japanese international teammates. The fullback replace regular fullback Karmichael Hunt who is struggling with a groin injury.

Goromaru shot to stardom after he kicked 24 points in the Japanese' 34-32 victory over South Africa in the 2015 World Cup. Despite enjoying celebrity status in Japan, he is less well known in Brisbane.

So far Goromaru has found it difficult to keep up with the pace and physicality of the Super Rugby and has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the Reds starting line-up.

"There are a lot of different aspects to this league, which I haven't experienced before. For example, the long travel to South Africa and then backing up for a game the following week.

"The physicality of the league and just the level of play. I've learned a lot and it's been a great experience," Goromaru said.

This is likely to be Goromaru's only season with the Reds amid reports that he will head to French club Toulan later this year. There is speculations that Quade Cooper will leave Toulon early in a straight swap with the Japanese star.

Despite all the speculations, Goromaru is excited about making a start for the Reds against the Sunwolves in Australia.

"I think we all learned a lot from our appearance in the World Cup and I think it's a great opportunity for us to show the Australian public Japanese rugby," Goromaru added.

The Reds' co-interim coach Matt O'Connor is fully aware of the Sunwolves’ strengths and will not underestimate the travelers.

"The Sunwolves are a quality outfit who were unlucky not to beat the Stormers last week and had a great win over the Jaguares recently in Tokyo," O’Connor said.

@Agence France-Presse