Japan have made one change for their crunch Rugby World Cup Pool D fixture against Argentina in Nantes on Sunday as Siosaia Fifita comes onto the left-wing for the crucial clash, where victory will seal a quarterfinal place.
Japan need a win or a try-scoring bonus-point in a draw, while denying Argentina one, to advance to the knockout stages for successive World Cups.
"The players are in really good condition, both mentally and physically," coach Jamie Joseph said.
"We've had an up and down season, but I feel that we're starting to play some of our best rugby at the right time."
Joseph largely kept faith with the side that beat Samoa 28-22 last time out, with Fifita replacing Jone Naikabula.
The @JRFURugby team hoping to secure qualification this weekend 🇯🇵 #RWC2023 | #JPNvARG pic.twitter.com/9vkIh1DOJl
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 6, 2023
Kotaro Matsushima is on the other wing with Lomano Lemeki keeping his place at fullback after an impressive display against the Samoans.
Ryoto Nakamura and Dylan Riley are the centre-pairing, with flyhalf Rikiya Matsuda, who has missed a single kick at goal in three games at the tournament, alongside Naoto Saito in the halfback pairing.
Captain Kazuki Himeno is at No 8 and part of a loose-trio that also includes Michael Leitch and Pieter Labuschagne, while the second row is made up of Jack Cornelsen and Amato Fakatava.
Hooker Shota Horie packs down with props Keita Inagaki and Jiwon Gu.
Japan have lost five of their previous six tests against Argentina, including the last three, but have won nine of their last 11 pool matches at the World Cup.
"We just have to play 80 minutes of rugby and ensure we play as best we can and play our style of rugby," New Zealander Joseph added.
"We've been preparing for this game for the last three years, so we're really looking forward to it."
JAPAN TEAM: 1-Keita Inagaki, 2-Shota Horie, 3-Jiwon Gu, 4-Jack Cornelsen, 5-Amato Fakatava, 6-Michael Leitch, 7-Pieter Labuschagne, 8-Kazuki Himeno (capt), 9-Naoto Saito, 10-Rikiya Matsuda, 11-Siosaia Fifita, 12-Ryoto Nakamura, 13-Dylan Riley, 14-Kotaro Matsushima, 15-Lomano Lemeki
REPLACEMENTS: 16-Atsushi Sakate, 17-Craig Millar, 18-Asaeli Ai Valu, 19-Warner Dearns, 20-Amanaki Saumaki, 21-Yutaka Nagare, 22-Ryohei Yamanaka, 23-Jone Naikabula