Japan determined to achieve at RWC 2011

Following Japan’s recent qualification for RWC 2011, we talk to Japan coach John Kirwan about the team’s expecations for the Tournament…

Last weekend, Japan secured its berth for RWC 2011 as winners of the 2010 Asian 5 Nations tournament.

In their seventh Rugby World Cup appearance Japan will compete in Pool A against host team New Zealand, Canada, France and Tonga.

TWENTY11 spoke to Japan coach and former New Zealand great John Kirwan about what this qualification means for the team.

Why will RWC 2011 be special for the Japanese team?
Every Rugby World Cup is special for the athletes. If we perform well and give it our best effort we will have a great time. I think for Japan it is also an opportunity for us to measure our improvement. We drew with Canada at RWC 2007 and will be looking for a win this time around.

How will the team be approaching its four pool matches?
We have an easy round against France and then face New Zealand. Once we get the easy games out of the way we play Canada and Tonga which are important games for us. I have never taken to the field to lose a game and won’t in New Zealand and I am sure the players feel the same.

What is Japan’s goal for RWC 2011?
I want to show the world how much we have improved and I hope we have the courage to play our style of Rugby. Our goal is to be first, a top ten team at RWC 2011 then top eight by RWC 2015. Canada and Tonga will be important matches and if we can win these two games, then we automatically qualify for RWC 2015.

How does this qualification fit within the plan towards 2019 when Japan will host RWC?
It is fundamental that we qualify for Rugby World Cup Tournaments to assure the continued growth of Rugby in Japan.

Is there a lot of expectation in Japan for the team to do well?
I expect the team to do well not only in their results but also in the way we play the game. We have been working on developing a Japanese style of play and also lifting the fitness of the players to the levels demanded by top international teams.

Do you expect many Japanese fans to travel for the Tournament?
We are hoping to get great support from the Japanese fans travelling to New Zealand. It is a popular destination for Japanese travellers and I am sure they will be encouraged by the added motivation of cheering on their team at RWC 2011.