Lomano Lava Lemeki is set to join an elite group of players Friday when he adds a Rugby World Cup appearance to his previous Olympic experience.

The 30-year-old wing, one of 11 Japanese citizens in the starting XV, was part of Tomohiro Segawa's squad at the Rio Olympics. And he is hoping that he can add to the upsets he has been involved in, having helped Japan defeat New Zealand on their way to a fourth-place finish at the 2016 Summer Games.

"I am very excited and looking forward to it," he said Wednesday of the Pool A opener against Russia at Tokyo Stadium (Ajinomoto Stadium).

"The atmosphere at the Olympics was pretty crazy. I'm not sure what the atmosphere will be like on the field of Friday but I know the Russians are going to come for us so I am quite excited."

Lemeki made his test debut against Argentina in November 2016 and has scored seven tries in 11 games for Japan despite -- in his own words -- not having the "rocket speed" of Kenki Fukuoka, who is already a member of the elite two-tournament group having played alongside Lemeki in Rio a year after playing in the last World Cup. Fukuoka misses Friday's game through injury.

(Lomano Lava Lemeki (C) works out ahead of Japan's Rugby World Cup opener)

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"I want to take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way," he said.

However, he goes into the match knowing he will have to raise his game from recent performances in the red and white jersey.

"We felt he played reasonably well (against Tonga) but there were opportunities he could have created for others and his decision-making was a wee bit off," head coach Jamie Joseph said of the Honda Heat player, who was born in New Zealand to Tongan parents.

(Lemeki in action in a Pacific Nations Cup match against Fiji)

"He decided he wanted to penetrate and attack by himself. We need players who have the skills to be able to do that but also create for others. He's learnt that and knows he has got an opportunity."

Lemeki said the Japan squad had benefited from being split in two earlier in the year with some representing the Sunwolves in Super Rugby and others training and playing for the Wolf Pack -- the extended World Cup training squad.

"We've had more preparation time than any of the other teams and that's really going to help us with our combinations. If it doesn't, then something is wrong."

"We are ready to shock a few teams at the World Cup."