The first match this Sunday in the 2023 Rugby World Cup will see Japan taking on Chile at Stadium de Toulouse in a crucial opening match for both teams in Pool D.
Japan come into this match following a 42-21 loss against Italy a couple of weeks ago, while Chile were narrowly beaten by Namibia 28-26 at the start of last month.
Match preview
Through the past decade, Japanese rugby has undergone major postiive changes, which culminated in their mesmerizing 34-32 victory over South Africa in 2015, breaking a 24-year World Cup drought.
Four years later, when the international tournament was hosted in Japan, the Brave Blossoms continued to impress by not only topping their pool, which included Ireland and Scotland, but also reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
However, the likelihood of achieving a similar outcome in this year's competition seems unlikely based on their recent form, which includes losses against Samoa and Fiji and a far-from-convincing win over Tonga in July.
As a result, Jamie Joseph's side have fallen to 14th in the World Rugby Rankings, with a record of just one win in their last ten matches, dating back to July 2022.
While their recent record does not inspire much confidence in their chances in this competition, Japan are the clear favourite in this match and will know that a solid result here could give them the momentum needed as they head into next week's clash with England.
Meanwhile, Chile brings a breath of fresh air to the World Cup stage as they prepare to embark on their first journey in the biggest rugby tournament and will relish the opportunity of rubbing shoulders against some of the best teams in the world.
While few expect the Chileans to challenge for a top two spot in the pool, the South Americans may actually benefit from being underestimated and could defy the odds as they did by qualifying for the tournament through victories against Canada and the USA in a two-legged fixture.
Following an initial defeat against the Eagles, they orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in Colorado, showcasing an impressive second-half performance that secured them a 31-29 victory and, more importantly, secured their spot in France 2023.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Chile conceded two narrow defeats, with the first coming against Pool A contenders Uruguay 26-25 and the most recent against Namibia 28-26.
Pablo Lemoine has crafted something exceptional with Chile, forming a team that genuinely seeks to take the initiative and fearlessly confront opponents, a crucial attribute for lesser-known nations to compete with the world's powerhouses.
Japan form (all competitions):
- L
- L
- L
- W
- L
- L
Chile form (all competitions):
- W
- L
- L
- L
- L
- L
Team News
Japan have made late call-ups with Kanji Shimokawa and Amato Fakatava summoned to the side, and the pair will also start this opening fixture.
Rikiya Matsuda will occupy the fly-half position in place of Lee Seung-sin, while Semisi Masirewa, Kotaro Matsushima and Jone Naikabul make up the back line.
Kazuki Himeno will captain the Brave Blossoms in this opening fixture from the back of the pack.
For the Chileans, Javier Carrasco will start in this match at loosehead, and the formidable Matias Dittus will play tighthead, with Diego Escobar completing the front row.
Chile is captained by Martin Sigren, who operates from the second-row, and he will be accompanied by two other outstanding ball-carriers, Raimundo Martinez and Alfonso Escobar.
Marcelo Torrealba and Rodrigo Fernandez make up the halves pairing, with Matias Garafulic and Domingo Saavedra occupying the midfield positions.
Japan starting lineup: 15. Semisi Masirewa, 14. Kotaro Matsushima, 13. Dylan Riley, 12. Ryoto Nakamura, 11. Jone Naikabula, 10. Rikiya Matsuda, 9. Yutaka Nagare, 8. Kazuki Himeno (c), 7. Kanji Shimokawa, 6. Michael Leitch, 5. Amato Fakatava, 4. Jack Cornelsen, 3. Koo Ji-won, 2. Atsushi Sakate, 1. Keita Inagaki
Replacements: 16. Shota Horie, 17. Craig Millar, 18. Asaeli Ai Valu, 19. Warner Dearns, 20. Shota Fukui, 21. Naoto Saito, 22. Tomoki Osada, 23. Lomano Lava Lemeki
Chile starting lineup: 15. Inaki Ayarza, 14. Santiago Videla, 13. Domingo Saavedra, 12. Matias Garafulic, 11. Franco Velarde, 10. Rodrigo Fernandez, 9. Marcelo Torrealba, 8. Alfonso Escobar, 7. Raimundo Martinez, 6. Martin Sigren (c), 5. Javier Eissmann, 4. Clemente Saavedra, 3. Matias Dittus, 2. Diego Escobar, 1. Javier Carrasco
Replacements: 16. Augusto Bohme, 17. Salvador Lues, 18. Inaki Gurruchaga, 19. Pablo Huete, 20. Santiago Pedrero, 21. Ignacio Silva, 22. Lukas Carvallo, 23. Jose Ignacio Larenas
Head To Head
This is the first time that these sides will face each other in a competitive rugby match.
We say: Japan 32-10 Chile
This match could start fairly slowly, with both teams likely to try and feel out their opponent in the early stages. However, as the game progresses, we expect Japan to pull away from the Chileans and secure a comfortable victory with a bonus point.
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