TOKYO, July 16, 2026 – Japan has made significant changes to its rugby lineup ahead of their Nations Championship match against France on Saturday in Tokyo. Coach Eddie Jones has promoted props Keijiro Tamefusa and Sojiro Otsuka, along with hooker Hayate Era, from the bench in last week's game against Ireland to the starting front row. Jones highlighted the critical role of the front row, stating, "The battle in the front row will be crucial against France, and I think it will decide the outcome of the match."

In addition to the front row adjustments, Japan has made three other changes: Esei Haangana replaces Kanji Shimokawa among the loose forwards, Samisoni Tua comes in at centre for Yuya Hirose, and Kippei Ishida replaces Taira Main in the backline.

The full starting team includes Takuro Matsunaga (15), Kazuma Ueda (14), Dylan Riley (13), Samisoni Tua (12), Kippei Ishida (11), Ryunosuke Ito (10), Naoto Saito (9), Jack Cornelsen (8), Ben Gunter (7), Esei Haangana (6), Warner Dearns (5, captain), Harry Hockings (4), Keijiro Tamefusa (3), Hayate Era (2), and Sojiro Otsuka (1).

Replacements for the match are Kenji Sato (16), Takato Okabe (17), Izi Sword (18), Michael Stolberg (19), Michael Leitch (20), Tiennan Costley (21), Taira Main (22), and Shunsuke Uenobo (23).

Japan aims to leverage these changes to secure a victory over France in this pivotal Nations Championship encounter.

Sources