A place in the knockouts awaits six-time champions New Zealand, should they win. As does a slice of significant sporting history should Portia Woodman-Wickliffe score. She currently stands on 49 tries for New Zealand, equal with Doug Howlett at the top of her nation’s all-time list.
For Japan, it is all about turning the entertaining endeavour they showed during their opening 42-14 defeat to Ireland into something more substantial. Recent victories over USA and Spain, twice, shows that the Sakura Fifteen have it in them, but it will take a similar effort to that special day the men’s team beat South Africa at RWC 2015.
Kick-off: 14:00 BST, Sunday, 31 August
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
If you have a ticket already, make sure you read Canada international and Exeter Chiefs legend Emily Tuttosi’s Guide to her home-from-home.
How to watch: Head here to get a last-minute ticket.
Or check out our Global Guide to the TV options in your area.
New Zealand team:
New Zealand’s key player: It is a difficult question given the quality all over the park. So, instead we are going for someone we cannot wait to watch in action once more: Braxton Sorensen-McGee. The 18-year-old full-back is box office (and she has Portia Woodman-Wickliffe next to her…)
Japan team:
Japan’s key player: Captain Iroha Nagata carries a lot of responsibility on her slender shoulders. First capped aged 17, back at RWC 2017, Nagata is now a mainstay of a team on the rise. Facing the Black Ferns is quite some challenge and the Sakura Fifteen will need their inspirational skipper more than ever.
What they said:
New Zealand head coach Allan Bunting:
“It’s going to be the first game for a few ladies this week. It’s all 32 players. We’ve got the ultimate respect for Japan. They are a well-coached team, I’ve seen them grow. They are technically and tactically really sound. We’ve got to play this game really well. We are really focused on our game. We want to build off last week.
“I thought we started really strong in terms of our mindset and intent. We’ve had two and a half weeks together and our ladies intend to grown and build. That’s our game. I think we had 17 errors (against Spain), but we don’t want our ladies to stop. We just need to get better.”
New Zealand wing Portia Woodman-Wickliffe:
“It gets the excitement of the crowd and people watching it and it’s cool and exciting but I’m just doing my job. I’m fortunate enough to be on the end of each pass and score as many tries as I have. Top try scorer of the Rugby World Cup, men or women, whatever, none of those records has ever meant anything to me really. It’s as a result of the team and the players I’m playing alongside.
“It sets the tone for all women in sport, all women rugby players, anything is achievable with a supportive environment and an absolute belief in yourself, but again it comes down to the team and environment. I am extremely proud to have scored as many tries as I have. What I would love to impart to any young athlete coming through is to chase your dreams, you never know where it’s going to end up. Just have a crack at it.
“Sometimes it feels like a cringe moment that I retired and did this big announcement and now I’m back! It’s exciting. I love rugby, I love the girls.”
Japan head coach Lesley McKenzie:
“They’ve named a really strong team. We’ve named a team that we think is going to bring us the attitude and the energy to make a statement about who we are and how we play on Sunday. As head coach, the opportunity to play the world champions in your pool stage is really exciting.
“You want to hit first before being hit when you play New Zealand. The team they’ve named is a real statement; they’re here to make an impression this weekend.
“If we sit back against them, we’ll get blown off the park. That said, we’re not here for that. We’ll start the way we need to: with aggression, with line speed, within our systems, and hopefully with the discipline to avoid taking on unnecessary pressure.”
Japan captain Iroha Nagata:
“After the opening game, it was a huge shock both individually and as a team. But in the first high-intensity training of the following week, everyone’s energy was incredible.
“On top of that, the non-playing members contributed with so much energy as well, which made for a great session. As both a person and as captain, I felt that the team is really well connected.
“I’m truly excited about the opportunity to face New Zealand, the defending champions, and I can’t wait for the game. With respect for them, we want to bring out Sakura Fifteen rugby and focus on ourselves, showing that approach right from the start of the match.”