England look to build on their opening round victory in the Rugby World Cup this Sunday, as they take on Japan in Nice. Steve Borthwick’s men ran out a resounding victory over Argentina in their opening Pool D match, with George Ford slotting all of England’s points from the boot for a 27-10 win.
Japan are also off to winning ways after the first round of Rugby World Cup action, as the Brave Blossoms put out a statement of intent against Chile. Japan recorded an impressive 42-12 win over the Rugby World Cup debutants, and presented plenty of strengths in the process. However, Japan certainly face a tougher challenge this weekend, than they did against Los Condores.
After a disappointing run of form ahead of the competition, England look to have come good when it mattered the most. Recent reports suggest that the drastic skyrocket in form is the brain-child of Welshman Aled Walters, who constructed the fitness plan for England’s Rugby World Cup preparations. Waters admitted to England being tired for their warm-up defeats to Fiji, Wales and Ireland, and that this was part of the plan to shock Argentina in the opening round.
England take on Japan this Sunday September 17th, with a UK time kick off at 8pm.
Here are the three key battles that could well decide the game.
1. Back Three: Freddie Steward v Kotaro Matsushima
Leicester Tigers fullback Freddie Steward is only 22-years-old, but is rightly renowned as being one of the best fullbacks in World Rugby. Steward is arguably the best player under the high ball, and after claiming possession, hits rapid motor hits top gear in a matter of seconds. One of Borthwick’s most tried and tested talents, Steward will be an integral part of England’s Rugby World Cup campaign, with this upcoming battle with the Brave Blossoms proving no exception.
Steward’s key battle is against Kotaro Matsushima. The South-African born pocket rocket is a phenomenon in Japan, with an unmatched engine and a keen eye for the try-line. Matsushima rose to prominence on the international stage during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and was later the poster boy of the 2019 tournament on home soil. Matsushima is well versed to fly at both fullback and on the right wing, and tears up the Japan Top League week in week out for Suntory Sungoliath.
Despite how exhilarating both Steward and Matsushima are in attack, this key battle could well be won by who has the advantage in defence. Should either player make a break into their opponents back-field, a physical collision would favour the heavier Steward, whilst a flat-out foot race sways the advantage in favour of Matsushima.