Kirwan eager for French exam

Japan coach John Kirwan welcomed the strength of the French team named on Tuesday by Marc Lievrèmont for their Pool A opener at North Harbour Stadium this weekend.

Kirwan is targeting two wins from the pool, which includes New Zealand, Tonga and Canada. The former All Blacks wing has said that regardless of results, he wants to see Japan hold their own in the first two games against France on Saturday and the hosts on 16 September.

France are ranked No.4 in the world, Japan No.13. France have won both Tests the nations have played - at the 2003 World Cup in Australia and in Bordeaux in 1973.

"Marc, about three weeks ago, said that he really didn’t think he could beat New Zealand twice in one tournament so we expected him to play his top side early," said Kirwan, who is to unveil his 22 for the France game on Thursday.

"And he’s done that. We want to play the best and we want to judge ourselves against the best so we’re ready to go.

"It’s the World Cup. You don’t want to come here and have it be easy. It should be like this and I’m pleased. As a second-tier nation, we need to know what to do to get better, so bring it on."

Minor injuries

Asked which of the French players had caught his attention, Kirwan said: "They’re all pretty dangerous. Their back three is outstanding and play together a lot.

"If we make any mistakes with our kicking game, they’ll be all over it. They love counter-attacking."

Kirwan also said centre Ryan Nicholas and loosehead prop Hisateru Hirashima have minor injuries that will not affect their selection.

" 'Ryno' could’ve trained but he took a bit of a knock yesterday and Hirashima has a sore back, and that’s not good for a prop," Kirwan said.

"When they get sore backs it’s like us fast guys having bad hamstrings, so we’ve looked after him and gave him a bit of a rest but I’m sure he’ll be OK."