We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - Jones changes six for Japan's Test against France

Jones changes six for Japan's Test against France

SPORTS 07.11.2024
Jones changes six for Japan's Test against France
Jones changes six for Japan's Test against France / Photo: © AFP/File

Eddie Jones made six changes to the Japan side to face France in Paris on Saturday.

Change text size:

Among the backs scrum-half Naoto Saito, who plays for French Top 14 champions Toulouse, centre Siosaia Fifita and winger Tomoki Osada come in for Shinobu Fujiwara, Nicholas McCurran and Yoshitaka Yazaki from October's 64-19 drubbing by New Zealand.

In the forwards, flanker Kanji Shimokawa, lock Epineri Uluiviti and hooker Mamoru Harada replace Amato Fakatava, Sanaila Waqa and Atsushi Sakate for Saturday's game at the Stade de France.

No 8 Tevita Tatafu, who also plays club rugby in France but for Bordeaux-Begles, is named on the bench as experienced fly-half Harumichi Tatekawa continutes to captain the side.

After facing France, Japan play Uruguay on November 16 and England eight days later.

Japan (15-1)

Malo Tuitama; Jone Naikabula, Dylan Riley, Siosaia Fifita, Tomoki Osada; Harumichi Tatekawa (capt), Naoto Saito; Faula Makisi, Kazuki Himeno, Kanji Shimokawa; Warner Dearns, Epineri Uluiviti; Shuhei Takeuchi, Mamoru Harada, Takato Okabe

Replacements: Kenta Masuoka, Yukio Morikawa, Keijiro Tamefusa, Amato Fakatava, Tevita Tatafu, Shinobu Fujiwara, Yusuke Kajimura, Takuro Matsunaga

Coach: Eddie Jones (AUS)

S.Mitchell--TNT

Featured

Maswanganyi Clarifies Pirates Allegiance Amidst Career Transition

Patrick Maswanganyi has addressed speculation surrounding his career by reaffirming that Orlando Pirates remains his dream club, despite growing up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Speaking during an exclusive interview, the Bafana Bafana international also clarified the nature of his relationship with former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following his recent exit from the Soweto giants.

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring four individuals for their athletic achievements and community contributions. The organization will celebrate the new class during its 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Change text size: