Takashi Kikutani starts in Japan's back-row © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: John Kirwan

Tournaments/Tours: Asian - Top 3

Teams: Arabian Gulf | Hong Kong | Japan

After Hong Kong upset the form book in the opening round of this season's Asian Five Nations with victory over South Korea, it's time for the big boys to make their mark as Japan prepare to enter the fray.

With World Cup qualification on the line John Kirwan's Cherry Blossoms will be all business as they prepare to take on South Korea in Gyeonsang on Saturday. In the weekend's other game, Dai Rees' Hong Kong will want to keep their quest for honours alive in a tough game against the Arabian Gulf in Bahrain. The Arabian Gulf need the points after losing out to Kazakhstan last weekend, with the joint leaders on a bye in this round.

Kirwan has elected for a brawny back-row combo for their opener, a direct response to recent changes to interpretations of the tackle law. Takashi Kikutani is joined in the loose trio by Tongan-born duo Touetsu Taufa, of Kintetsu Liners, and debutant Sione Vatuvei.

"We've gone for a more all round type of loose forward for all three back-row positions, we feel the days of having someone first to the tackle is less important, look at how Richie McCaw's game has changed this year with the Crusaders" Kirwan told ESPN Star Sports. "Sione has been coming off the bench for the Sanyo Wild Knights and has been creating a real impression; big tackles, strong runs. We want him to do that from the first minute."

Meanwhile, Hong Kong coach Rees has called winger Tom McQueen into the starting XV after his try off the bench last weekend, where he joins brother Alex in the back-three for a must-win game.

"We must come back with nothing less than a win," he said. "The Arabian Gulf will be strong and well organized and will be extremely motivated for their first home match of the Five Nations. We have to improve on our Korea performance to ensure a win in Bahrain. Tom brings an extra cutting edge to our attack as evident in his impact as a sub against Korea, while Hing Hung adds specialist centre cover on the bench. We need to use our squad strength to look after key players with three games in a span of 14 days. The recovery has been good."