Renegade lock Jack Cornelsen has warned rugby fans to write the Brave Blossoms off at their peril ahead of Saturday’s showdown with the Wallabies in Oita.
One of three Australian players lacing up for Japan, Cornelsen is convinced the Brave Blossoms have sufficient strike power to cause another boilover at the state-of-the-art Showa Denko Dome.
After stunning Ireland and Scotland en route to the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals, Jamie Joseph’s cosmopolitan outfit have established themselves as a genuine top-tier force.
Proving themselves as anything but one-tournament wonders, the Brave Blossoms pushed Ireland in a 39-31 defeat in Dublin in July after Cornelsen debuted for Japan off the bench in a 28-10 loss to the British and Irish Lions at Murrayfield the week before.
The son of Wallabies great Greg Cornelsen accepts it will be a tall order to snap Australia’s four-Test winning streak, but has no doubt it can be done.
“We’re definitely going to back ourselves,” Cornelsen told AAP.
“The Wallabies are coming off a couple of good wins against South Africa twice and the Argies twice so they’re on a bit of a hot streak but we’d definitely back ourselves to get one up on them.”
The versatile forward will be making his starting debut for the Brave Blossoms, alongside blindside flanker Ben Gunter.
Winger Dylan Riley, a teammate of Cornelsen’s and Gunter’s at Robbie Deans’ Panasonic Wild Knights, will start from the bench.
Cornelsen is tipping the 10th-ranked Brave Blossoms to surprise many with their resilience against the Wallabies, who have soared to No.3 in the world behind South Africa and New Zealand.
“From watching the World Cup, Japan’s skill set and the attack is probably what a lot of people from around the world would see,” he said.
“But, as well, I think the defence and commitment there is probably something that people don’t really see from the outside.
“But from being inside the group, it’s something I’m definitely seeing. It’s something the squad really takes pride in.
“That’s definitely a big part of our game.”
A two-time Brisbane club rugby premiership winner with the University of Queensland before moving to Japan three years ago, Cornelsen nominated destructive No.8 Kazuki Himeno as the Brave Blossoms’ chief strike weapon.
“He’s always someone who can break open a game,” Cornelsen said.
“In terms of backs, a lot of the boys are quite electric and can sort of create something from nothing.”
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Japan will put up an enthusiastic contest. Wallabies will attempt and probably have dominance in the forwards. Game over.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Terry, have a look at the map. We are ALL Pacific Islanders.
Android-angler Cartman-brah
Roar Rookie
Terry do you by chance have the stats for Wal and ABs.
Android-angler Cartman-brah
Roar Rookie
That's a point I don't want to get into, but I understand where you're coming from-some might find it offensive.
Blinky Bill
Roar Rookie
I'm really looking forward to this game. While being a Wallaby supporter through thick & thin ( and boy there's been a few of those), I'm also an admirer of The Sakura Boys and the way they approach the game. If we play away from home as well as we did at home, then I'll be happy.
WEST
Roar Guru
The big gap between tests can be a challenge. I’ve got a feeling Japan are going to give this Wallabies side a good run for their money. Unlike the Wallabies they’re fresh and excited to get a game.. the Wallabies have had a long season. Of course some say look at it the opposite way, they’re battle hardened and ready to rumble. Of course I’m backing any kiwi coach, but Rennie doesn’t have Tony Brown on his staff.. I like the way the Japanese play
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Paddy… I have just given you a red card, of to bed Son!
Terry Tavita
Roar Pro
half the wallabies and all blacks are pacific islanders..
Mel R
Roar Rookie
Japan will put up a fight but this Wallabies team is humming with guys chomping at the bit finally getting a run. We now have the capacity to go 5 in a row as we now know how we want to play.We just got to go out there and execute.
Android-angler Cartman-brah
Roar Rookie
Will Scotland and Japan ever have 80 percent local player representation or must we get used to them being barbarian like teams? Then again who can rightfully say 99% of their players are born and bred local players. Forgive my grammar I'm Afrikaans.
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
Really looking forward to this game. Should be a fun game of rugby with both sides having a bit of something on the line despite it being a one off match. Wallabies looking to build consistency (especially away from home) which had been lacking for the last 5 years plus put away a lower ranked team and Japan looking to snare a big scalp. Anyone know if there is a trophy between Aus and Japan? Obviously not a great deal of history between the two sides aside from Eddie Jones being a significant link. Just did a bit of googling...perhaps it should be the 'Peabody' trophy, nickname of Ian Williams who looks like the first player to represent both Wallabies and Japan
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Should be a entertaining game.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Not unless they receive a red card thay arnt Paddy
wigeye
Guest
What are you suggesting paddy there's going to be a red card early. Only thing wrong with hooper was he couldn't see the posts at penalty times im thinking he's read my posts on the roar with a magnifieing glass and corrected his ways about that, and Dave had a word in his ear. Hoops no tika is biga
Paddy
Guest
Japan have a real good chance as the Wallabies " again" are playing with a 7 man pack.