By Rich Freeman,
Japan will look to put aside their recent poor run of form and get some much-needed confidence ahead of the Rugby World Cup when they take on Tonga on Saturday in the second round of the Pacific Nations Series at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.
Two losses to an All Blacks XV and defeat last week to a Samoa side missing many experienced players has caused some to question whether the Brave Blossoms will be able to make it out of their pool -- which in addition to Samoa also includes England, Argentina and Chile -- when the World Cup kicks off in September.
But alarm bells are not ringing among the players.
"It's obviously very disappointing for the Japanese people that we did not get a win for the last three weeks," said openside flanker Ben Gunter following Friday's captain's run at the match venue.
"But in our own camp and in ourselves we know we are building and we don't want to peak too early. The way we're building now we are going well. So please trust us and keep supporting us because when it comes to the real crunch time at the World Cup hopefully we can show you guys the result of us building and peaking at the (right time)."
Gunter, who has missed much of the last year with a shoulder injury, is one of 10 players from Saitama Wild Knights in the 23-man match-day squad, and he hopes the club connection will have an impact, particularly in attack when he will look to support centers Tomoki Osada, making his first start for his country, and Dylan Riley.
"It's a really important connection," the 25-year-old Gunter said. "As you have seen from teams around the world, guys that play together at club level and then international (level) have that unspoken connection that can make and break games."
"So, for me this week, (having Osada and Riley in the midfield) has made me feel more comfortable and more confident in my role at seven and I am able to support those guys when they are inside and just know without talking about what we have to do."
Osada has been named at inside center following some good performances off the bench and will be a key figure in both attack and defense against a Tongan side bolstered by the inclusion of three former All Blacks in Vaea Fifita, Charles Piutau and George Moala and one ex-Wallaby in Lopeti Timani.
"They are obviously a very physical side, strong ball carriers and strong in defense," Riley said.
"We can expect some physicality and direct carries. But they've also got some skillful players in the back three so they will look to play. But we are up for the challenge."
And Riley has no doubt that the 23-year-old Osada -- the reigning League One Rookie of the Year -- is up to the task.
"He's had a really good year and shown what he can do the last couple of games. I'm looking forward to having that combination with him in midfield," Riley said.
"For a small guy, he's very physical, has good feet and is really fast off the mark. Test matches are big matches so I will be looking to support him through the game and hopefully he can help me out as well."
Japan coach Jamie Joseph said Thursday in naming his team that he "had a fair idea" of who would be included in his 33-man World Cup squad when he names it on Aug. 15, adding the squad is probably "80 percent" decided.
Osada, however, is simply trying to take things one game at a time.
"Of course, I would like to be in the 33, but I'm not thinking too much about being selected right now," he said.
"Just participating in this test match is a big deal for me."
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