Having spent multiple seasons playing in Japan, veteran back Tusi Pisi will bring his on- and off-field experience to the Samoa squad when they head into Saturday night's Rugby World Cup clash against the Brave Blossoms.

The 37-year-old Japan-based flyhalf, a familiar face to many rugby fans here as a result of his stints with Suntory Sungoliath, the Sunwolves and current side Toyota Industries Shuttles, will start on the bench in the Pool A game at City of Toyota Stadium.

"They are a quality team. From one to 15, the whole squad is talented," said Pisi, who recently signed with the Toyota Industries.

"I think we just have to keep the ball and put down the pressure...We look forward to the game."

Competing in his third World Cup, Pisi hopes Samoa will edge toward a quarterfinal spot with a victory over a Japan side that includes old teammates like Sunwolves flyhalf Yu Tamura.

Pisi played for Sungoliath for seven years and was a big part of Super Rugby's Sunwolves in their debut season. He left Japan to join Bristol Rugby in England in 2016, but has decided to return to the country which he calls "home away from home" to play for the Toyota club.

(Tusi Pisi of Samoa is charged by Russian players.)

Pisi said Samoa have done their homework after they were beaten 26-5 by Japan in their previous World Cup encounter four years ago, and he thinks the hosts will buckle under the pressure of a much-improved Samoa side and satisfying the home supporters' expectations.

"There is a huge difference from the last time. The boys are a lot fitter," Pisi said. "There is no pressure on us. I think all the pressure is on Japan. For us, it's just playing like any game...Just go out there and show why we are here."

Manu Samoa, led by coach Vaeluaga Steve Jackson, have struggled at this tournament with discipline and injuries. Two of their players have been banned for dangerous tackles another handed a red card in their previous match.

They opened their Pool A campaign with a 34-9 win over Russia, but are looking for solutions after a humiliating 34-0 loss to Scotland on Monday.

(Tusi Pisi of Samoa runs with the ball.)

Samoa's short turnaround against the host nation could affect them tactically but not mentally, Pisi says. He said he will be "mentally prepared" to face Japan, who are looking for additional momentum after pulling off two big victories, the first against Russia and the most recent against Ireland.

Pisi is joined by another player who played club rugby in Japan. Tim Nanai-Williams, who will start at fullback, has played with the Ricoh Black Rams.

"I have played here before and I played against Japan in the last World Cup and what they bring is a good quality football team," Nanai-Williams said.

Samoa will play their final Pool A match against Ireland on Oct. 12 in Fukuoka, while Japan will face Scotland the following day.

Samoa are still in contention for the quarterfinals, but would need to beat Japan and Ireland in their remaining two matches. Japan's chances of advancing will improve if they score four tries for a bonus point win over Samoa.

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