World Sport News

In addition to relieving the XV of France, Canada's victory against Tonga last Wednesday (25-20) had the merit to clarify the situation in Pool A. Forgot the scenario of a “knockout” between France and Tonga on October 1, New Zealand and the Blues will play the first place Saturday in Auckland while Canada, Japan and Tonga will play the third place. A mini-championship if not trivial since the third place provides a direct qualification for England in 2015. As a result, Japanese and Tongans have no interest in letting go during their confrontation Wednesday (09:30 French time), especially as they are always running after their first success in the World Cup.

Psychological advantage for Japan

their surprise defeat against the Canucks, Tonga are not allowed to make mistakes, even a defeat probably condemning them to an inglorious last place. In the center of much criticism, the coach Isitolo Maka has also made eight changes to his starting XV, even on the floor leaving her brother and captain Finau Maka. Under pressure, the Tongans have a common interest to put the way, with an attacking bonus to the key, and hope that Japan dominates Canada September 27 to hope to finish third. As the second condition can be envisaged, as the first looks complicated, as the Japanese seem to be able to compete. The victory of the troops against the same John Kirwan Tonga in Pacific Cup final (28-27) speaks volumes about the ambitions of Japan. By aligning virtually the same team as one that stood up to France during the first day (47-21), the New Zealand coach sends a strong signal. At eight years of a World Cup at home, he hopes to get Japan to another level. That of a trained live the World Cup.

             R.B.