After a first up win over Italy in Tokyo Japan takes on Ireland in Newcastle, NSW, while Fiji face England in Liverpool, England.

Fiji have recalled fly-half Caleb Muntz to face England on Saturday in the Nations Championship after missing the opening round defeat to Wales.

The 26-year-old, who steered Fiji to victory over England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in August 2023, is one of several changes made to the team after their 39-24 loss in Cardiff.

He will reunite with six of the seven backline members that ran out in London in the autumn, with the only change being on the right wing, where Vuate Karawalevu will start instead of Selestino Ravutaumada at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.

In the pack, loosehead Eroni Mawi, captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere and lock Isoa Nasilasila are the only three members to retain their place in the starting XV from last week, while superstars Jiuta Wainiqolo, Josua Tuisova and Salesi Rayasi are the only three to remain in the backs.

Fiji Team to play England:

15 Salesi Rayasi

14 Vuate Karawalevu

13 Kalaveti Ravouvou

12 Josua Tuisova

11 Juta Wainiqolo

10 Caleb Muntz

9 Simione Kuruvoli

1 Eroni Mawi

2 Tevita Khanivere (c)

3 Mesake Doge

4 Tevita Ratuva

5 Isoa Nasilasila

6 Peceli Yato

7 Lekima Tagitagivalu

8 Levani Botia

Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Pita Gus Sowakula, 22 Frank Lomani, 23 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

The Brave Blossoms, ranked No. 12, will look to add another memorable chapter to the rivalry after upsetting Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Japan turns to an experienced forward pack led by Warner Dearns, Jack Cornelsen and captain Naoto Saito, while Ireland fields a veteran lineup featuring Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Robbie Henshaw and Ronan Kelleher.

With both teams carrying momentum into Round 2, the matchup promises to be one of the weekend’s most intriguing international fixtures.

Japan team to play Ireland:

1 Takato Okabe


2 Mamoru Harada


3    Shuhei Takeuchi


4    Harry Hockings


5    Warner Dearns


6    Ben Gunter


7    Kanji Shimokawa


8    Jack Cornelsen


9    Naoto Saito


10    Ryunosuke Ito


11    Taira Main


12    Yuya Hirose


13    Dylan Riley


14    Kazuma Ueda


 15    Takuro Matsunaga


Replacements: 16 Hayate Era, 17 Sojiro Otsuka, 18 Keijiro Tamefusa, 19 Michael Stolberg, 20 Michael Leitch, 21 Tiennan Costley, 22 Itsuki Kamimura, 23Sam Greene