Japan rugby coach identifies flaws after loss to Italy

I was looking at Japan's draw for the Rugby world cup earlier. It looks like it is goin to be a real fight for them. Canada, France, Tonga and New Zealand. I hope they progress to the finals, that would mean that the All Blacks won't.

“We need to be a bit lower at contact with the ball in hand, we need to make sure we retain the ball, the second tackler needs to get in a bit quicker to slow things down,” he said.

Would have thought kirwan would have already realised this, its a very fundamental part of the game. Want me to come and advise you JK seems you're not quite on the ball these days.

And SRowan there is no chance NZ not making the finals , but we sure as hell hope england dont get close as the lest derserving of any team.

It will come down to one of the big four teams, (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England), I am sure of it.

It's too late now - but the Brave Blossoms really need some more Polynesian imports in their team to add physicality and skill. They have a few, but that's not enough. Teams like the Kiwis, Australia, the Pacific Islands of course and even England now rely on their polynesian players - in fact, it's hard to compete at this level without them. I reckon the Blossoms will definitely be aiming at beating the Tongans and Canucks - and will hope to hold the Kiwis to no more than 100 points.

It'll be a great world cup, but I was looking forward to a bigger kickoff game than NZ vs Tonga.

Since the Japanese team won the Pacific Cup, I doubt they need more Polynesian imports. And it's interesting to see the current RWC Champions did it without having any PI players in 2007.

M51T - it's a pretty big step up from Pacific Nations to the big boys. Point taken about the S.Africans though - no poly boys in their team. But geez, arent they playing badly of late? Even the Wallabies beat them at home! Without them challenging, this Cup is gonna be even more one-sided. Barring food poisoning, the Kiwis have their name engraved on the trophy already!

I was looking forward to a bigger kickoff game than NZ vs Tonga

Gotta agree. The Kiwis will lap them.

Am going to the AB v Japan game..... not a show in hell of Japan winning... not even a Japanese ref could make it happen.

Burakumin .... NZ does NOT rely on Polynesian descent players. NZ as the world's largest Polynesian country use the best players available to them. Also, NZ's record (the world's most winning int'l sports team was established long before Polynesians even started playing for the ABs. Get your facts right mate.

Am going to the AB v Japan game..... not a show in hell of Japan winning... not even a Japanese ref could make it happen.

I'm rooting for Kirwin-Japan. Always support the underdog! Anyway, thrashings like the one the ABs handed out to Japan in the 1995 world cup - 145-17 - are not a good promotion for international sport, or rugby in Japan. The Brave Blossoms will be beaten and beaten well, but I hope they will shock a few people down there in NZ.

How dare JT NOT mention the true powerhouses of world rugby who played on the weekend ... Canada hammering the Americans. LOL! I think JApan has a good team, but they could be a great team, if, like, the WHOLE TEAM was from, you know, other countries. HAHA!! Solly, I pray to Buddha each night Canada doesn`t get humiliated by Japan in the WC. Only 4 years ago J was bloody lucky to tie the game last vs Canada, but I can see J has loaded their team enough that they will likely finish 3rd ahead of Canada and Tonga. Proof me wrong Canada!!

Multitasker - well done! You guys do usually hammer the yanks, no? Some Canadians are playing in the European leagues, they will be match tough I'm sure. Canada v Japan will be a great even game - the type I will watch as it is real competitive match-up. Good luck!

I think JApan has a good team, but they could be a great team, if, like, the WHOLE TEAM was from, you know, other countries.

Us Aussies could be a great team too if we had more Kiwis - we only have 6 of them in our team!

Bura, I think the overall Can vs US is 2:1 or so, but lately its been closer. US has some good players, especially Todd Clever, who also plays here for Suntory. Hes a monster!! And if their 2 kickers didnt suck in both games, they could have won... Can vs. Japan. Im dreading and looking forward to this game.The game on the 07 WC was ugly to watch, no flow, but at least Canada was winning, and the game went well over 80 minutes, so Japan finally got a penalty to tie the game. But 2 years ago, on a 2 game tour, Canada got spanked, losing 70plus to 14 or so in 2 games. Ughh!! Not sure if that was a full squad, or if some of the vets were playing overseas. Japan vs, NZ: My Kiwi co-worker reckons NZ will win BY 100 points plus. We even have a small wager on it. What you think? I can`t imagine NZ playing their best players, but could see a 50 point gap. I think OZ needs more Canadian players! lol! btw, who are the 6? Cooper and ?? I have no idea! Cheers!