Japan plan England World Cup upset with rugby’s reply to Tiki-Taka
That is the view of England’s teaching workers, who’ve likened Japan’s method to that of Pep Guardiola’s famed Barcelona group.
Japan like to hold the ball shifting by way of intricate attacking performs, with a bunch of their gamers concerned in each attacking set-up.
Those attacking patterns will pose a completely new problem for England, and one which boss Steve Borthwick’s males are relishing.
“Kevin Sinfield said Japan attack like Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team,” mentioned prop Joe Marler.
“They want to move the ball around, keep it for long periods and do that to look for defensive holes or weaknesses.”
For all Japan’s plans to move England off the park, Jamie Joseph is aware of his group won’t be able to dominate by way of part play and not using a highly effective set-piece.
Japan are acutely conscious that the final time these two groups confronted off, England spoiled their scrum ball. England accounted for Japan 52-13 in November, on a day the place the guests struggled in each scrum and lineout.
“They caused us problems last time in the scrum,” mentioned Japan’s scrum coach Shin Hasegawa. “We were penalised three times, which was costly. We have worked for a year on our scrums, so we will hopefully be able to compete.”
England’s six defeats in 9 matches earlier than the World Cup has had many opponents anticipating them to reach at matches in France in a nervy disposition, however Japan don’t subscribe to that idea.
Hasegawa mentioned: “England have been playing the same rugby for 100 years, they capitalise on their physical strength, using strong forwards in the mauls. I don’t think they have got any weaker in recent times.”
Japan wouldn’t have the all-conquering high quality of the previous two World Cups, but when they click on into gear then England may discover themselves in a real battle
Japan have stamped their authority on the final two World Cups with the win over South Africa in 2015, then by defeating Ireland and Scotland in 2019.
The 2023 classic of the Brave Blossoms will not be the all-conquering high quality of the previous two World Cups, but when they click on into gear then England may discover themselves in a real battle. Japan have checked out England an ideal deal this week, and all they see is a group itching to get again to their finest.
“We have this image as England as one of the tournament favourites,” mentioned hooker Shota Horie. “They are a good team, so we will launch our attack on the scrum.
“There are so many things we have prepared for this match, but it boils down to how much we can focus on our game.
“We need to keep our composure to be able to handle all the pressure and the atmosphere in the stadium so we can go out and deliver what we have prepared, to play our rugby. That is our focus.”