Can Japan beat Ireland this Saturday, September 28, at Shizuoka Stadium? That’s the big question… While Ireland truly shone against Scotland last Sunday, this Saturday’s match against the Japanese team promises to be a whole different challenge.
And it’s expected to be intense…
Fully aware of the threat Japan poses, Ireland plans to stay cautious and won’t rely on overconfidence.
“Japan will be a bigger threat than Scotland,” said Rob Kearney
This match carries significant stakes for both teams. If Ireland wins against Japan, they will be almost certain to finish top of Pool A (which will then face Russia and Samoa, two teams that have often struggled in previous encounters with Ireland).
However, Ireland will start this second Rugby World Cup match with a disadvantage: fly-half Jonathan Sexton will be on the bench due to an adductor injury. The true leader of the Irish squad had to leave the field at the 58th minute against Scotland the previous week. This is a tough blow for the tightly-knit team, which has always relied heavily on Sexton.
He will be replaced by Jack Carty, a promising and talented 27-year-old player.
As for Japan, the team appears confident, energized, and fully determined to take on the Irish. They have already stated that Ireland doesn’t intimidate them and that they will give their all to win.
An intense match is shaping up this Saturday from 9:15 AM on TF1. Grab your green jerseys—Ireland will need your support!
