Japan will begin their Nations Championship campaign without head coach Eddie Jones on the sidelines when they take on Italy in Tokyo on Saturday.
The experienced coach is serving the final match of a four-game suspension, forcing his assistants to oversee the team’s opening fixture.
The encounter kicks off at 10:40 (SA time) and marks the first of several demanding tests for both nations during the month-long tournament.
Jones Completes Final Match of Suspension
Jones remains unavailable after receiving a four-match ban from the Japan Rugby Football Union following an incident involving abusive remarks directed at match officials during Japan’s tour of Australia earlier this year.
With the suspension still in effect, forwards coach Neal Hatley will take charge from the coaching box as Japan look to make a positive start against an Italian side arriving with growing confidence.
Hatley Expects Physical Battle Up Front
Hatley believes the biggest challenge will come from Italy’s forward pack, which has developed a reputation for set-piece strength and physical dominance.
He expects Japan to face intense pressure in the scrum and driving maul but insists the squad has prepared thoroughly for the challenge.
According to Hatley, overcoming Italy’s power game will be essential if Japan are to dictate the pace of the contest.
Young Talent Given Opportunity
Japan’s starting line-up features several fresh faces, including university student Ryunosuke Ito, who will make his international debut at fly-half.
Three more uncapped players have earned places among the replacements, highlighting Japan’s continued investment in developing new talent ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Captain Warner Dearns also enters the tournament on a high after helping the Hurricanes secure the Super Rugby title during his first season with the franchise.
Meanwhile, scrum-half Naoto Saito arrives in Tokyo fresh from lifting the French Top 14 championship with Toulouse, adding valuable winning experience to the squad.
Japan Target Another Step Forward
Dearns believes the team has steadily improved since Jones took over as head coach three years ago.
He admitted the early stages of the coaching project involved adapting to new systems and building chemistry, but says the squad has grown significantly since then.
Now, Japan are determined to continue progressing while maintaining a winning mentality ahead of the World Cup.
The captain stressed that every international fixture presents an opportunity to improve, but also insisted the team’s objective remains to win every match they play.
Italy Arrive After Impressive Six Nations Campaign
Italy head into the tournament with renewed confidence following one of their strongest Six Nations performances in recent history.
Victories over England and Scotland helped Gonzalo Quesada’s side secure fourth place in the championship, matching their best-ever finish in the competition.
Two players are set to make their international debuts in the starting XV, with flanker Alessandro Ortombina and winger Malik Faissal earning opportunities from the opening whistle.
Around them, Italy retain an experienced spine featuring Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Paolo Garbisi and Stephen Varney.
Quesada Cautious Despite Italy’s Momentum
Head coach Gonzalo Quesada admitted preparations have been far from ideal.
Several players are still regaining match sharpness after the end of the domestic season, while the lengthy journey to Japan has added another challenge.
Even so, he praised his squad’s commitment and warned that Japan’s fast-paced attacking style makes them dangerous opponents.
Italy intend to stick to their own game plan while limiting Japan’s opportunities to exploit space.
Tough Road Lies Ahead for Both Teams
Saturday’s clash is only the beginning of a demanding Nations Championship schedule.
Japan will also face Ireland in Newcastle, Australia, before returning home to host France later this month.
Italy, meanwhile, continue one of the toughest tours in international rugby, with away fixtures against New Zealand in Wellington and Australia in Perth following the match in Tokyo.
Quesada acknowledged the demanding nature of the itinerary but believes his side must make the most of every opportunity by delivering disciplined, high-quality performances from the very first whistle.
