The Springboks have to shut down two high-speed Japanese “Ferraris” if they are to prevail in the World Cup quarterfinal in Tokyo on Sunday, according to assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.
Japan have electrified the World Cup with their high-tempo game plan devised by coaches Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown with wingers Kenki Fukuoka and Kotaro Matsushima the chief beneficiaries of the speed at which the team are playing.
Matsushima is the tournament’s joint-top try scorer alongside Wales’ Josh Adams with five, while Fukuoka has crossed four times.
SPEEDSTER: Kotaro Matsushima. Picture: Franck Robichon/EPA.
And Stick says: “Jamie Joseph compared their two wings to Ferrari cars. So we have to not allow those Ferraris to go to fifth gear or sixth gear.
“We must make sure we are at our best with our defensive systems, because they are very skilful and have quick players.”
Stick says it is obvious the influence that New Zealander Brown in particular is having on Japan’s style of play, with the philosophy “to put the ball through the hands” and comparing it to the speed at which the All Blacks counter attack.
IN-FORM WINGER: Kenki Fukuoka. Picture: Jiji Press/EPA.
He adds: “They are playing a good style of rugby - good, running rugby.
“They are playing a very high-tempo game.
“We know their plan is to keep the ball in play for close to 50 minutes, so that means it is going to be a tough challenge for us.”
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