Sunday May 27, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Japan makes 10 changes for All Blacks clash

Sports Sep. 14, 2011 - 12:47PM JST ( 11 )

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11 Comments

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BurakuminDesSep. 14, 2011 - 04:04PM JST

A bit disappointing from a sports point of view, Japan fielding their reserves. The score could well blow out to a 100 plus point win to the Blacks now, rather than the Blossoms holding them to say 60-70. I can understand where JK is coming from though - save the stars for the massive games v Tonga and Canucks. Japan is putting everything into securing that 3rd position.

Good win to the Canucks today - thoroughly deserved. Atrocious refereeing yet again - there was a blatant trip on a Canuck that should have seen the Tongan marched. They will be real tough opponents for the Brave Blossoms. Kleeberger is an awesome player!
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ExportExpertSep. 14, 2011 - 05:38PM JST

Good move kirwan, save the best players for the games you have a chance on winning, they should beat canada and tonga specially if they play like they did against france.

No way in hell will they ever get close to the AB's so throw the game, discretion is often the better part of valour.

The Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium is going to be the place to watch this game id' imagine.
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BurakuminDesSep. 14, 2011 - 05:48PM JST

No way in hell will they ever get close to the AB's so throw the game, discretion is often the better part of valour.

Very true - but lets hope the Blacks don't put too many points on them - for/against will be very important for the Blossoms. Tonga and Canada showed today they are relatively closely matched - it will be a real battle for that 3rd pool position. I just hope we don't see another 145-17! But with Kirwan in charge I reckon that can't possibly happen. GO THE BRAVE BLOSSOMS!
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ExportExpertSep. 14, 2011 - 07:15PM JST

Kirwan used to be an all black do you think the current lot will disgrace him or go gently on him?

To be honest the all blacks arnt fronting with their top team either but i doubt that will slow the score rate tho.
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Peace_ManSep. 14, 2011 - 07:15PM JST

Japan still has it all to do, Despite gallant games in 2003 they still didn't chalk up a win But this time they can do it if they don't choke (Like one other team always does...)
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ExportExpertSep. 14, 2011 - 07:16PM JST

Oh and yeah GO JAPAN !!
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Darren BrannanSep. 14, 2011 - 08:32PM JST

1) more padding 2) more magic spray 3) extra kleenex

Wonder what the other 7 changes are?

All jokes aside, I love the spirit in which Japan plays the game. No longstanding angst and just grit and hope. Nice to see. Pretty much the way they play most sports. Ganbare Nippon!
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Lieberman2012Sep. 14, 2011 - 08:36PM JST

I was impressed by the way team japan played against the Frenchers.
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soldaveSep. 15, 2011 - 08:31AM JST

Darran - Yes, but it's grit, hope and playing a severely weakened team. Maybe I'm just someone who things the strongest team possible should be picked, injuries withstanding, in each game, whether you expect to win or lose.
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ratpackSep. 15, 2011 - 10:24AM JST

It's all good and well to rest key players to take advantage of the upcoming 'easier and more likely to win' games from a coaches point of view however if you were a top players wouldn't you feel disappointed in the fact that you weren't being given the opportunity to take on one of the best teams in the world on the biggest stage in the world?????? I know i would. Besides isn't the idea to enter each game with the mindset of being able to win the match?? It must be hard for JK to pump his players up for this one when they know they are taking on the AB's with a second string team (common boys just try to keep the score a bit respectable and try to starve them of possession so they don't rattle up too many points). i know there is more chance of a future world cup taking place on Mars than japan beating the AB's but sporting history has given us a few rather odds-on favorites going down to very very long odds opponents!!! But in saying that....if i were in JK's shoes I would do pretty much the same.
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soldaveSep. 15, 2011 - 12:29PM JST

ratpack - agree with you there. If you go onto a rugby field, or pretty much any sporting arena, with the mindset of "Well we're gonna lose this anyway, so let's not worry about it and think about the next game" then you are going to get slaughtered. No ifs or buts.