After a first up win over Italy in Tokyo Japan takes on Ireland in Newcastle, NSW, while Fiji face England in Liverpool, England.<\/p>\n
Fiji\u00a0have recalled fly-half Caleb Muntz to face\u00a0England\u00a0on Saturday in the\u00a0Nations Championship\u00a0after missing the opening round defeat to Wales.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old, who steered Fiji to victory over England at Twickenham\u2019s Allianz Stadium in August 2023, is one of several changes made to the team after their 39-24 loss in Cardiff.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Fiji Team to play England:<\/p>\n
15 Salesi Rayasi
\n\t14 Vuate Karawalevu
\n\t13 Kalaveti Ravouvou
\n\t12 Josua Tuisova
\n\t11 Juta Wainiqolo
\n\t10 Caleb Muntz
\n\t9 Simione Kuruvoli
\n\t1 Eroni Mawi
\n\t2 Tevita Khanivere (c)
\n\t3 Mesake Doge
\n\t4 Tevita Ratuva
\n\t5 Isoa Nasilasila
\n\t6 Peceli Yato
\n\t7 Lekima Tagitagivalu
\n\t8 Levani Botia<\/p>\n
Replacements:\u00a016 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With both teams carrying momentum into Round 2, the matchup promises to be one of the weekend’s most intriguing international fixtures.<\/p>\n
Japan team to play Ireland:
\n\t1 Takato Okabe\u2028
\n\t2 Mamoru Harada\u2028
\n\t3\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Shuhei Takeuchi\u2028
\n\t4\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Harry Hockings\u2028
\n\t5\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Warner Dearns\u2028
\n\t6\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Ben Gunter\u2028
\n\t7\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Kanji Shimokawa\u2028
\n\t8\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Jack Cornelsen\u2028
\n\t9\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Naoto Saito\u2028
\n\t10\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Ryunosuke Ito\u2028
\n\t11\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Taira Main\u2028
\n\t12\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Yuya Hirose\u2028
\n\t13\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Dylan Riley\u2028
\n\t14\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Kazuma Ueda\u2028
\n\t\u00a015\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Takuro Matsunaga\u2028<\/p>\n
Replacements: 16 Hayate Era, 17 Sojiro Otsuka, 18 Keijiro Tamefusa, 19 Michael Stolberg, 20 Michael Leitch, 21 Tiennan Costley, 22 Itsuki Kamimura, 23Sam Greene\u2028
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