Japan’s Final RWC 2023 Pool Match Against Argentina “Is Like A Final”

Having done the hard work against Samoa to claim the vital win in Pool D in Toulouse, the Japan Brave Blossoms know that their final RWC 2023 Pool Match in Nantes on Sunday 8th October is perfectly set up like a final – a must-win game that will see them reach the RWC quarterfinals for only the second time.

Feature Photo Credit: JRFU – RWC 2023 Japan fans

Since the physical win over Samoa, the players and coaches have had to quickly adjust to face a Los Pumas side that will be no less confrontational and as adamant about reaching another knockout phase of the RWC themselves.

Riki Flutey, the Men’s JRFU Assistant Coach, is confident that the Brave Blossoms attack is coming together, even though they were just short of securing a 4-try bonus point against Samoa, it was an attack that was more clinical than in the England loss.

NANTES, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 30: A general view as players of Chile and Argentina compete in a lineout during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Argentina and Chile at Stade de la Beaujoire on September 30, 2023 in Nantes, France. (Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

The coach said, “We put a lot of emphasis on being really accurate in training. The players really understand their roles and responsibilities, particularly in our set-play strikes and set-ups, so it makes a big difference when you have players that understand their roles and responsibilities to be able to execute.”

As we had written pre-game, the ruck would be a hugely contestable area and Flutey felt they achieved good ruck speed and moved the ball quickly, something which might be ‘rinse and repeat’ against the South Americans. Of Samoa, he admitted ‘we tried to make them run, tire them out and turn them around to make them work hard.”

The Japanese had their lowest error rate of 2023 in the Samoa match which gives them confidence they can play with “speed, be fast and be accurate” said Flutey, and they are 7th for ruck speed at the Rugby World Cup 2023

Craig Millar, the Japanese prop, knows it will be another tough test up front against Argentina, but the pack has been great in the scrum in France, winning the most scrums per game (8.7), and losing only two in total which is the fifth-best success rate.

Millar is enjoying the whole experience in France, saying, “I think every week every player has grown in confidence. playing at this level against these teams. The fan support has been awesome, the atmosphere in the stadiums, every week every individual is wanting to add more to our performance.”

Shin Hasegawa, the Men’s Assistant Coach (and a former forward himself) said of the pack battles and the expectations of Argentina, “England was the most skilful and Samoa was the heaviest. When we look at Argentina, we see their passion and heart.” Surprisingly, Los Pumas have the worst scrum success in the tournament.

Photo Credit: JRFU – RWC 2023 Japan beat Samoa in Toulouse

Fellow Brave Blossoms front-rower Asaeli Ai Valu, said of the match, “I think the biggest focus point for this week will be defence. They are a very physical and direct team, so making sure that we stop them is something we will be working on this week.”

Rikiya Matsuda has been excellent with his kicking game and Japan will aim to punish an Argentine team which does not have the best disciplinary record.

The Japanese flyhalf said, “It’s the same as every round, we have to bring what we’ve prepared. I need to stay calm, enjoy the game and be confident so that we can get the result we want. It’s all about the team winning the game and getting into the last eight.”

What Do the Argentina RWC 2023 Stats Tell Us?

Michael Cheika’s side averages the fourth-most carries per game and the third-most defenders beaten, as well as having the second-best ruck speed.

The Argentina coach said of Japan, “Looking forward to Japan, they will be trying to qualify for the quarter-finals but so will we. We are hungry, we want to win.” Some Argentine stats to take note of:

• Collision success is just sixth at RWC 2023.
• Although they rank well for ruck speed, Argentina has struggled in line breaks and metres made.
• Like Japan, Los Pumas have not been as clinical as they would like and have the ninth-most entries to the 22 per game.
• Argentina have had to make the fewest tackles per game in the tournament, while Japan have made among the most.

Japan Assistant Coach John Mitchell added, “Argentina have a very good kick-chase game. They have maul qualities, breaking up plays from the maul with some variations inside and outside. They have very capable young backs who are probably not used as well as they could be. I think we’ll face a side that is going to be extremely direct.”

Japan Brave Blossoms – Rugby World Cup 2023 News

• Rugby World Cup 2023 Pools – How Will Teams Progress?
• Brave Blossoms Topple Samoa In Toulouse.
• What Lessons Can Japan Take From Argentina vs Samoa Pool D RWC 2023 Match?
• Japan Brave Blossoms Fall To England As Errors Prove Costly.