Coach Jamie Joseph put Japan's long-term goals ahead of personal dreams Wednesday in naming his team to play South Africa in the Brave Blossoms' final warm-up before the Rugby World Cup.

While Pieter "Lappies" Labuschagne and Kotaro Matsushima get to play against the land of their birth, Wimpie van der Walt will have to watch Friday's game from the stands at Kumagaya Rugby Ground, as Joseph ensures all his players have some big-match experience under their belts before Japan's opening World Cup game against Russia on Sept. 20.

(Wimpie van der Walt)

Luke Thompson and Uwe Helu start in the second row with James Moore on the bench, a decision Joseph admits was tough to make.

"Wimpie is very unlucky to miss out and obviously very disappointed as he would have loved to have played against South Africa," Joseph said. "But there are other tests in my mind that are more important."

Earlier in the week, van der Walt talked about his journey from South Africa to Japan, the land he now calls home. He arrived here six years ago to play for NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, "because it was a good opportunity as a young man to come somewhere different."

"I played some junior grade rugby in South Africa with (Springbok captain) Siya Kolisi and went to the same high school as (Faf) de Klerk and (Duane) Vermeulen. I then played at NTT with Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth and Jesse Kriel," he said referring to six of the players that will take on Japan on Friday.

Having "fallen in love with Japan" and completed the required three-years continuous residency, the flanker-turned-lock made his debut for his adopted country on Nov. 4, 2017, in a 63-30 loss to Australia.

But not before he had seen players that were to become his national teammates beat those who were his childhood friends in one of the greatest upsets in sporting history.

"It's amazing how time flies," he said looking back to Japan's 34-32 win over the Springboks in Brighton, England at Rugby World Cup 2015.

"I remember watching that game in my apartment (in Osaka) with some friends and probably did support South Africa," he admitted with a grin.

(Japan coach Jamie Joseph names his side to face South Africa in a warm-up game ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup.)

Some have said a rematch just two weeks before Japan play Russia is risky. But van Der Walt dismisses that saying "It's a good challenge to play one of the best teams in the world just before the World Cup. They will be going for revenge. They were embarrassed last time out and will not underestimate Japan."

Proof of that came with coach Rassie Erasmus naming his strongest side, and van der Walt had special praise for Kolisi.

"He's a strong ball carrier, has good feet for a back-row forward and we are aware of his x-factor. It's good to see him doing so well for himself and leading South Africa so well."

When asked if there would be any family divisions over who to support, van der Walt was adamant his family "will be supporting Japan" when the sides clash for just the second time.

"There are no mixed feelings," he said when asked how he would feel if he were to play against the country of his birth. "I just want to do my best for Japan."

And while he will have no direct impact himself on proceedings, he will be hoping history repeats itself Friday.

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Rugby: Jamie Joseph names side to take on Springboks in final RWC tune-up