Japan head coach Jamie Joseph went with the tried and tested as he named his squad Tuesday for this year's Rugby World Cup in France, though injuries meant he could only name 30 of the 33 required players.
Led by back-row forward Kazuki Himeno, the squad is based on the group chosen to play in the recent Pacific Nations Series and two warmup games against an All Blacks XV. But injuries suffered in those matches — particularly among the second-row forwards — means Joseph will wait until the tournament deadline of Aug. 21 before adding the final three players.
The injured trio of Warner Dearns (shoulder and ankle), Uwe Helu (shoulder) and Amato Fakatava (foot) are the likely additional selections, as all can play in the second row.