Kirwan names squad for PNC

The uncapped pair of Panasonic Wild Knights flanker Tadasuke Nishihara and Toyota Shokki Shuttles flyhalf Murray Williams have been included in a 30-man squad for the Pacific Nations Cup.

The duo were the only real surprises in the 30-man squad as coach John Kirwan generally kept faith with the players that recently won a fourth-straight HSBC Asian Five Nations.

However, with the PNC the last chance for players to impress before the Rugby World Cup, Kirwan also recalled a couple of other players.

Yusuke Aoki returns at hooker in place of Hiroki Yuhara and scrumhalf Tomoki Yoshida is back in the squad having regained full fitness.
“We need to take three scrumhalves to the World Cup,” Kirwan said of Yoshida's recall. “We also need three hookers. Yuhara has done nothing wrong but I've still got an eye on the World Cup. Some players had their chance in the A5N, others will get theirs at the PNC. By the end of the Pacific Nations Cup I want to make sure I have my best team possible.”

Williams' gets his call-up having served the required three-years of residency in Japan.

The 28-year-old impressed last year even though his side was eventually relegated from the Top League and, with Ryohei Yamanaka unavailable and James Arlidge carrying an injury, Kirwan wants to see how Williams performs at the next level.

“He has the opportunity to push his case,” Kirwan said. “We will probably only take two flyhalves to the World Cup but I need to know the alternatives.”

Nishihara was often used as an impact player for the Wild Knights and gives Kirwan some different options in the back row.

“He is more of a specialist No. 7 than the others and offers a different profile," Kirwan said.

The squad, captained by Takashi Kikutani, opens its campaign on July 2 against Samoa at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya Stadium, before flying to Fiji to take on Tonga and the hosts.