JPN eve of match (v ARG): assistant coach Mitchell, Leitch, Yamanaka

John Mitchell, defence coach

On Argentina’s winning record and what Japan need to do to get the win: 

“Argentina are a very organised, committed, defensive side. I think they are very hard to break down in attack, but we've got really good plans for the match. Especially in the World Cup knockout matches, it comes down to us making sure that we execute our big moments when they arrive and when we present them. Secondly, we are going to have to stay tough and not present any soft moments in this test match.”

Michael Leitch, flanker

On what this game means to Japan rugby:

“For Japan rugby, this will be an important game. Being able to take the opportunity to potentially get to the top four in a tournament overseas, that’s a new history for us which we are really excited about."

On the importance of last 20 minutes in the game: 

“The past games, we had the tendency to be scored against in the last 20 minutes. Since the England game, we talked about how to fix it, and we started using the word 'Samurai Time'. It’s about controlling the game’s momentum. We obviously wanted to attack, but then we lost our energy, and when the impact members (substitutes) came in excited to get out there, they couldn’t leave a big impact on the game as much as they wanted to. So, we talked about it with the coaches, about our mentality and what’s needed in the last 20 minutes.” 

On how the team is coming together: 

"We are growing in every game, and I think the final piece is in tomorrow’s game, especially in the way we play the last 20 minutes. If we can control the last 20 minutes, when our legs are tired and when the momentum is shifting, I think we can complete Japanese rugby."

On the level of confidence, and the growth they have seen in Japan rugby in the past four years: 

“We had a good base from [Rugby World Cup] 2019, and what’s been good about this tournament is that we have a lot of players who experienced 2015 and 2019, which are a strength of ours. We have players who know how to deal with and prepare for pressure. Also, we have young energetic and talented players who are experiencing tough games. I’m also confident about our scrums and lineouts since they have been improving a lot. If the scrums and lineouts are good, we have the confidence that we can attack and win against any team, so this weekend will be a really good test for us.”

On the how important this game is for Japan rugby:

"Since 2011, I’ve been playing many games. I’ve been with Japan teams that were weak and strong. Before Eddie Jones came in we hadn’t won any games overseas. Ever since then, we’ve been building up this new history of Japan rugby and tomorrow it’s another opportunity for us to get to the top eight in the World Cup. We didn’t get to the top eight in 2015, so it’s going to be a big game. For all the staff and players, this match is going to be a really good experience for the next one and this will be a huge turning point for us.”

On his goals for this year (as the briefing took place on his birthday):

"Since the age of 33 my body’s been getting old, and different parts of my body were dropping. Well, I got over that and gained my confidence back. I’m happy to have my same age fellow Yamanaka with me to play with. I don’t want to make my age an excuse and just want to keep growing and polishing my game."

On the preparation for this week: 

“Winning the Samoa game was massive, and we played pretty well so there's a lot of confidence. But we’re not ahead of ourselves as we respect Argentina. We also had a day off at the start of this week, and that was great. We also had our sharpest training yesterday, so we have no excuses going into tomorrow.”

Ryohei Yamanaka, full-back

On not being named in Japan's initial squad for Rugby World Cup 2023 but then coming in as an injury replacement for Semisi Masirewa: 

“A lot has happened in the last two months and it’s been an incredible experience. I’m excited about being back in the squad and I just have to give everything I have. I’m looking forward to it, and I just want to get in there.”

On how he pictures the game coming off the bench: 

“I’m picturing that by the time I come in, the team’s already winning and I would just have to close the game and I’ve prepared for that. I’m not sure when I’m going in, but when I do, I want to make sure that I do my job to lead the team to victory.”

On his journey so far of being out and now back in the squad:

“I have just been doing what I’m supposed to do. The past two months I’ve just been playing my footy and I’m really enjoying it since I got in with the Barbarians. It’s a pretty fresh feeling and I don’t feel that much pressure since I’ve come in. I feel pretty relaxed.”

On his thoughts on the younger players in the squad:

“[Prop Keita] Inagaki talked about the Katana [sword in Japanese] story and I thought it was exactly right. Tomorrow’s game is all about winning or losing, do or die and that’s a really rare experience, not just for the younger players. How we manage the game tomorrow under such pressure will be a great experience for them in their rugby career. Those who are playing will have to show them how it’s done.”