Japan hosted New Zealand with the chance to make a statement under returning head coach Eddie Jones, but what was a promising start soon fizzled out as the All Blacks ran away with a huge winning margin.
On September 21 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Japan’s national team faced Fiji in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup and lost 17-41.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has turned to Takuya Yamasawa at full-back after naming an otherwise unchanged starting XV for the visit of USA this weekend.
Yazaki, the youngest member of the team at 19 years old, is a sophomore at Waseda University and has been standing out with his running skills and speed since his days at Toin Gakuen High School.
Japan were overwhelmed 52-17 in Tokyo in their first match since Jones was placed back in charge.
Eddie Jones' inexperienced Japan side may have slumped to a 52-17 loss in Tokyo, but there were performances that would have pleased the coach in his first game back.
The match takes place at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.
England captain Jamie George talked up his country’s credentials as they prepare to open their summer series against Eddie Jones’ Japan at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.
Eddie Jones has selected a largely inexperienced squad for his first Test back as head coach of the Brave Blossoms, with rising star Yoshitaka Yazaki winning his first cap at full-back.