Having been unavailable for selection in the squad to play against the Wallabies in Oita, Kotaro Matsushima has been quickly recalled to Japan's line-up for this weekend's game with Ireland.
Here's how the Brave Blossoms rated in their 32-23 defeat to the Wallabies in the opening test of their end-of-year internationals in Oita.
Japan coach Jamie Joseph has named 10 uncapped players in his 37-man squad for internationals against Australia, Ireland, Portugal and Scotland.
Luke Thompson will play at a fourth Rugby World Cup after being included in tournament host Japan's squad.
Host nation Japan have taken a giant step towards the start of the World Cup with Jamie Joseph confirming his 31-man squad following a camp with 41 players.
Japan have just two scheduled fixtures left to play before the World Cup kicks off next month. As such, Jamie Joseph seems to be playing with combinations leading into the final round of the Pacific Nations Cup.
Forget the talk about Argentina and Fiji, Jamie Joseph's in-form and improving Japan are the real Rugby World Cup dark horse to watch out for later this year.
Unlike the other teams in the Pacific Nations Cup, Jamie Joseph has resisted the urge to make mass changes to his side for the second round of the competition.
Coach Jamie Joseph has whittled down his 42-man World Cup training squad to 31 for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. A number of the cuts, however, were forced due to the unavailability of various players.
