New Zealand v Japan, Rugby World Cup 2011, September 16
Kirwan rings the changes
ESPNscrum Staff
September 14, 2011
Japan's coach John Kirwan signs autographs, Auckland Airport, New Zealand, August 31, 2011
Japan boss John Kirwan will be pitting his wits against the land of his birth on Friday night © Getty Images
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Japan head coach John Kirwan has made ten changes in personnel to his side for Friday's clash with his native New Zealand in Hamilton.

The Cherry Blossoms turned in a hugely encouraging display in losing 47-21 last weeked but, because of the short turnaround, Kirwan has been forced to rest some of his key men.

However, Takashi Kikutani continues as captain, although he has been switched to No.8 to accommodate the inclusion of Itaru Taniguchi at blindside flanker. Michael Leitch holds on to the openside flanker berth. Hitoshi Ono comes into the second row, while Naoki Kawamata, Yusuke Aoki and Nozomu Fujita form an all-new front-row.

Behind the scrum, Koji Taira will again start in midfield but this week he has been paired with Yuta Imamura. Hirotoki Onozawa keeps his place on the left wing and he will be joined in the back three by Taihei Ueda, who will wear 15, and Takehisa Usuzuki. Murray Williams and Atsushi Hiwasa are the chosen half-back pairing.

Japan: Taihei Ueda; Takehisa Usuzuki, Koji Taira, Yuta Imamura, Hirotoki Onozawa; Murray Williams, Atsushi Hiwasa; Naoki Kawamata, Yusuke Aoki, Nozomu Fujita; Hitoshi Ono, Toshizumi Kitagawa; Itaru Taniguchi, Michael Leitch, Takashi Kikutani (capt).

Replacements: Hiroki Yuhara, Kensuke Hatakeyama, Yuji Kitagawa, Sione Talikavili Vatuvei, Tomoki Yoshida, Shaun Webb, Alisi Tupuailai.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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