Preview: No complacency for Wales against highly motivated Japanese

Wales U20 go into their vital second pool game against Japan knowing they have to win to stay in the hunt for a place in the Cup semi-finals at the World Rugby U20 Championships. 

Their agonising one-point defeat to New Zealand last weekend came at a high price with tight head prop Ellis Fackrell being forced out of the tournament with a shoulder injury. But it did come with two vital points for scoring four tries and getting with seven points of their rivals. 

Now the target has to be five points against a Japanese side that was put to the sword by France in their opening game. The French ran in 11 tires in a 75-12 victory that put them in the perfect place to face New Zealand in Round 2. 

“We know the Japanese are very well drilled in some aspects of the game. They are very energetic and always bring great line speed in defence,” said Wales U20 forwards coach, Marc Breeze. 

“They are going to be hurting after losing so heavily to France and we are preparing for a big reaction from them. We know they are going to be decent.

“The game against New Zealand was the first we’ve had since Mark Jones came in as head coach. It has been a great learning opportunity since the game, and we hope that will drive us coming into the game against Japan.” 

Top of the list of things to rectify was the penalty count against the Baby Blacks. That had reached 16 by the end of a game in which Wales led 19-5 at the break. 

That aspect has been analysed thoroughly by both coaches and players a since the weekend and Breeze is hoping for a big improvement in Round 2. 

“Sometimes a penalty begins a few phases before the referee blows his whistle. Players have to understand where they begin and how to rectify the problems,” added Breeze. 

“We asked them to stay committed to the cause right up to the last minute and they did that. That’s why we were so gutted for the players at the end of the game against New Zealand. 

“We were all disappointed, but also very proud of the effort. It was one that got away because the game was there for the taking

"Now we move on to Japan. We have to grab the momentum during the game – that was a big lesson we learned from playing New Zealand.” 

Jones has only made two changes to the starting XV – both in the pack. Louis Fletcher comes in at tighthead prop for Fackrell, while Ospreys second row Evan Hill earns his first start after coming on as a second half replacement against New Zealand.  

There are also two new additions on the bench, with tighthead prop Kian Hire and back row Mackenzie Martin getting the nod for the game at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch (KO 1pm UK, Live S4C). 

“The Japanese have made seven changes to their side from the French game and we know they work harder than anyone else and like to play from anywhere,” said Wales skipper Rayn Woodman. 

“We won’t be complacent. We will concentrate on trying to win the game first and then go after a bonus point if possible.” 

Wales U20 v Japan U20, Thursday 29 June, Danie Craven Stadium, KO 1pm (UK), S4C live
15 Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby)
14 Llien Morgan (Ospreys)
13 Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby)
12 Bryn Bradley (Harlequins)
11 Harri Houston (Ospreys)
10 Dan Edwards (Ospreys)
9 Archie Hughes (Scarlets);
1 Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths (Dragons)
2 Lewis Lloyd (Ospreys)
3 Louis Fletcher (Ospreys)
4 Evan Hill (Ospreys)
5 Jonny Green (Harlequins)
6 Ryan Woodman (Dragons – Capt)
7 Lucas De La Rua (Cardiff Rugby)
8 Morgan Morse (Ospreys)|



Replacements

16 Sam Scarfe (Dragons) 
17 Josh Morse (Scarlets)
 18 Kian Hire (Ospreys)
 19 Mackenzie Martin (Cardiff Rugby)
 20 Seb Driscoll (Harlequins)
 21 Tom Florence (Ospreys)
 22 Harri Wiilde (Cardiff Rugby)
 23 Harri Wiliams (Scarlets)

Japan Team

1 Sena HWANG
2 Kouta NAGASHIMA
3 Riku TOMITA
4 Yuzuki SASAKI
5 Harry WILLARD
6 Koki MIYASHITA
7 Tomoki KUSUDA
8 Taison MOGAMI
9 Yutaro TAKAHASHI
10 Kanjiro NARAMOTO
11 Yoshitaka YAZAKI
12 Yoshiki OMACHI (C)
13 Shota TAIRA
14 Renji OIKE
15 Kosho MUTO
16 Takashi OMOTO
17 Tomoki YUMBE
18 Kosuke SUGIURA
19 Bunsuke KURITA
20 Tenta KOBAYASHI
21 Taishin OHSHIMA
22 Genki IKUTA
23 Ryohei IMANO