Coach Yoshitake Mizuma: Junior Japan to Attack Tongans

Junior Japan will aim to play fast and attacking rugby against Tonga A in their fi­nal match of World Rugby’s Pacific Challenge at Suva’s ANZ Stadium today.

The two teams meet at 1:30PM in the final round of the competition.

The Japanese side come into the match off the back of a heavy 66-24 defeat to the Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors on Tuesday.

Tonga A on the other hand record­ed a morale-boosting, last-gasp 13-12 win over Samoa.

Junior Japan head coach Yoshitake Mizuma says the team wants to fin­ish their campaign not just with a win, but a strong performance as well.

“Against Fiji, we made a lot of mis­takes and gave away possession too easily,” Mizuma said.

“We want to iron out those mis­takes and play the Japanese brand of rugby, which is all about attacking.

“We are at our best when we are at­tacking so we want to keep the ball against Tonga A.”

The Japanese side impressively beat Samoa A 31-21 in their opening match last Saturday.

However, the coach has warned players not to underestimate the Tongans, especially after watching them beat Samoa A.

“Tonga was very good against Sa­moa,” he added.

“They have some strong ball carri­ers in the team so we will be wary of that today.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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