By Rich Freeman,
For two players on the Japan side, this weekend's test against Fiji is not just a chance to book a ticket to represent their adopted country at the Rugby World Cup but one to play against the land of their birth.
Semisi Masirewa and Jone Naikabula were both born in Fiji, and while their journeys to Japan and putting on the Brave Blossoms jersey via World Rugby's residency rules were slightly different, both are keen to put on a show at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday.
"A lot of mixed emotions playing against my home country Fiji," Masirewa said earlier this week at the team's training camp in Miyazaki. "At the same time it's exciting. I know what is coming and I'm looking forward to it."
The 31-year-old Masirewa first came to Japan in 2017 to play for Kintetsu (now Hanazono) Liners. He also spent two seasons playing for Japan's Super Rugby side, the Sunwolves, where his ability to create something from nothing out on the wing soon made him a fan favorite.
Naikabula, meanwhile, attended Setsunan University before joining the club now known as Brave Lupus Tokyo.
"I'm really excited to play against my home country," said the 29-year-old wing.
Both speedsters were on the scoresheet last week as Japan beat Tonga and showed glimpses of the rugby that will be needed if they are to have a chance of getting out of their pool when the World Cup kicks off in September.
"We want to keep the ball more this week, so I would expect more running from us backs," said Masirewa. "At the same time, we want to be smart as well. If we have to kick, we need to kick on our terms, and we have to apply pressure as we know the Fiji team love unstructured rugby."
With two of their rivals for the Nos. 11 and 14 jerseys currently injured, most observers think Japan's flying Fijians have done enough to be on coach Jamie Joseph's list when he announces his World Cup squad on Aug. 15.
"My long-term goal is to get into the World Cup squad, but I have to take it one week at a time and be consistent in my performance," said Masirewa.
Naikabula is also aware of what needs to be done.
"We need to focus on our individual roles and the backs need to work hard and give energy to the forwards, work together and hopefully we get the result," he said.
All of which is music to the ears of Brave Blossoms attack coach Tony Brown.
"Our two Fijian boys are playing very good rugby. They are exciting on the field and have got (as much) flair as the team we are playing against. We just have to get them the ball more."
Related coverage:
Rugby: Brave Blossoms hoping to bid adieu to Japan in style
Rugby: 3-time World Cup scrum-half Fumiaki Tanaka expects Japan to hit form
Rugby: Newcomers, returnees forcing Joseph to make tough decisions
