Rugby World Cup
Japan suffer second RWC ending injury
ESPNscrum Staff
September 11, 2011
Italy's Alessandro Zanni is tackled by Japan's Ryukoliniasi Holani, Italy v Japan, Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cesena, Italy, August 13, 2011
Holani sustained the injury in Saturday's loss to France © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: Japan

Japan have been forced to make a second change to their World Cup squad after No.8 Ryukoliniashi Holani was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

Holani was forced off after 35 minutes in their clash with France and was seen leaving North Harbour Stadium on crutches. It was later confirmed that he had sustained a cruciate knee injury. He will be replaced in the side by Toetsu Taufa. The news will come as a blow for John Kirwan after he was forced to call up Yuji Kitagawa, 25, into his squad on Friday after lock Justin Ives failed to recover from a knee injury.

Taufa, who plays for the Japanese Top League club Kintetsu Liners and has been capped 21 times for Japan, is taking part in his first World Cup. Like Holani, he was born in Tonga.

"I've been working hard to play in the World Cup and I've got a big responsibility now," Taufa said. "I will fight to the death for Japan. I hope I can help inspire all those who suffered from the quake in Japan."

Japan's next game is against hosts New Zealand in Hamilton on Friday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices