http://www.superxv.com/sunwolves-make-three-changes-rebels/
Japanese Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves have named a side with three changes for this weekend’s match against the Rebels in Tokyo.
In the back line Mifiposeti Paea replaces Yasutaka Sasakura in the starting line with the latter dropping to the bench.
Yoshiya Hosoda comes in to wear the No.6 jersey replacing Liaki Moli who drops out of the 23.
Takuma Asahara comes into the second row and his place on the bench from last week is taken up by Shinnosuke Kakinaga.
Viliami Lolohea is still absent in the starting line-up. They did replace their lightning quick centre with Paea which is a strong Tongan player well known in the Top League with a good history. I would had played Paea against the Lions… I have never seen Paea play rugby, but he is born in Japan and brought up through their schooling system so he might be a good ball mover as opposed to being stingy (and undisciplined).
In my opinion, the above move may give more cohesion between the centre pairs and Pisi. Sasakuru is a great player in my opinion, but they need to move him to the wing leaving their squad with at least three active wingers than only centres.
Hosoda comes in on 6, a Japanese Player, so Fanie will be happy to see one less ‘Australasian’ in the team.
I also see that Hammett is testing his props, since they really lack depth there in the scrummage and mauls which in my opinion was the reason they had succumbed to the Cheetahs. Hammett being a hooker I think that he is punishing these guys through the week to get it right this time around against the Rebels.
Now the replacements being made is mainly due to medical reasons.
Interesting to note that Horie and Inagaki played at the Rebels so they might read into the scrums. The Rebels also have their captain, Stirzaker, and regular loosie, Fuglistaller, back in the starting line-up.
Big game in Japan.
