Japan coach Eddie Jones has named a strong, hard-running South African to shore up his youthful backline as the Brave Blossoms get ready to face Wales.
South African-born Dylan Riley will start at outside centre in Saturday’s clash in Kitakyushu.
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Riley has grown into a key figure for Japan since making his debut in 2021 and has become a regular under Jones’ mentorship. The 27-year-old, born in Durban and schooled at The Southport School in Australia, will partner Shogo Nakano in the midfield.
Japan will fancy their chances against a Welsh team in crisis. Wales arrive in Japan off the back of a record 17 straight losses, which is the worst run for a Tier One nation in the professional era.
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A name to watch is 1.67m wing Kippei Ishida, who Jones has likened to Bok flyer Cheslin Kolbe.
“He’s got great feet, great aerial skills – it was impossible not to select him,” said the former Wallabies and England coach.
Veteran loose forward Michael Leitch captains the side in his 88th Test.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
