Juan Imhoff is brimming with confidence about the upcoming Rugby World Cup set to take place in his adopted homeland, France. His recall to the Argentine national team by Michael Cheika has injected new vigor into the Pumas, rendering them a formidable force. The seasoned 35-year-old back, who has represented Racing 92 in Paris since 2011, previously participated in the Rugby World Cups of 2011 and 2015. His omission from the 2019 squad stemmed from Argentina’s decision to exclude overseas-based players.
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Imhoff shared his fervent desire to be an integral part of the Argentine national France Rugby World Cup team, a motivation that drove his performances at the club level with Racing. His absence in the 2019 tournament, due to political considerations, prompted a shift in his perspective, making him value what was previously taken for granted. He acknowledged that he might not possess the utmost speed, talent, or skill, but he emphasized his unwavering commitment.
Anticipating the Rugby World Cup 2023 Imhoff expressed a belief in its potential to be the most spectacular yet. While cautious about setting high expectations, he credited the dedication of the French hosts. Imhoff noted that the Pumas are fueled by a desire to defy skeptics and naysayers at the upcoming tournament. He framed their underdog status as a motivation, likening their perseverance to enduring hardship for the eventual enjoyment of success.
We are fully committed to making history,” he emphasized. Deep within a player’s psyche lies the hope and belief of becoming an RWC champion. When that dream is within reach, why not dedicate everything to attain it? Argentina commences their Pool D journey against England on September 9 in Marseille, followed by clashes with Samoa, neighboring Chile, and finally Japan.
Navigating Group Challenges Setting Realistic Goals:
Our group poses its challenges,” he admitted. Every match is a must-win, although the pivotal contests arrive early. Thus, after the initial two weeks, we’ll have a clearer picture. Our goal is the quarter-finals, an achievable aim. However, let’s not deceive ourselves by assuming our group is a walkover. Past victories over England don’t guarantee success again. Quite the opposite, rigorous effort will be necessary. Rugby World Cup fans can buy Rugby World Cup Final Tickets from our website.
As the countdown to the French Rugby World Cup continues, Mendocino Rodrigo Isgró acknowledges the Pumas’ well-executed preparations, which will carry through from a relentless training regime in Portugal. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my friends and family. A while back, I boarded that plane with a piece of each of them. They played an indispensable role in supporting me and without their contributions.
This journey would have been impossible,” stated one of the key figures in the recent history of Pumas 7s. On August 11 (Reuters) – Pieter Labuschagne, a flanker originally from South Africa, will be absent from Japan’s Rugby World Cup Pool D opener against Chile in Toulouse on September 10 due to a suspension. Nevertheless, he should be available to face England in a crucial fixture a week later.
Labuschagne received a three-match ban from Rugby World Cup after receiving a red card for a dangerous tackle during Japan’s 35-12 loss to Fiji last week. However, this sanction could be reduced to two games if he participates in a Coaching Intervention Program. World Rugby has confirmed that the player has expressed his intent to do so. He will indeed do so, resulting in his absence from only the final warm-up game against Italy on Aug. 26 and the Rugby World Cup opener against Chile.
Japan’s Past Performance and Pool:
Rugby World Cup independent judicial committee determined that the offense met the criteria for a six-match suspension. However, considering mitigating factors, they halved his ban. The specifics of these circumstances have not been disclosed as the complete judgment remains unpublished. Labuschagne, who marked his international debut in 2019, becomes the second Japanese player to face suspension within the past month.
The RWC team’s captain and number eight, Michael Leitch, received an effective two-match ban after a red card incident against Samoa. Nonetheless, he will be eligible to play against Chile. Japan advanced to the France Rugby World Cup quarter-finals four years ago, only to be defeated by eventual champions South Africa. Their pool in France also includes Argentina and Samoa. Esteemed former captain Michael Leitch and hooker Shota Horde will make their fourth appearance.
At the Rugby World Cup as they secure spots in the Japan squad set to compete for RWC in France. The versatile Leitch, who led Japan to the quarter-finals on their home turf in 2019, and the seasoned 37-year-old Horde have been chosen as initial members of the 30-man squad. Head coach Jamie Joseph will finalize the squad by adding three more players before the August 28 deadline. For more about Japan Rugby World Cup Tickets.
It’s noteworthy that the suspension Leitch received for his first-ever red card in his test career, incurred during a match against Samoa in Sapporo last month, will not hinder his availability for the Rugby World Cup 2023. As of now, Luke Thompson stands as the sole player to have participated in four Rugby World Cups for Japan (2007-2019). While center Yukio Motoki was also a part of four Rugby World Cup squads, he remained an unused substitute during his initial tournament in 1991.
Ranking Slide Anticipated: Japan’s Potential Drop in World Rankings:
Kotaro Matsushima, the wing/full-back who made a significant impact with five tries during Japan’s impressive run to the quarter-finals in 2019, is set to make his appearance at his third Rugby World Cup. Among the squad members, two newcomers stand out: uncapped players prop Sione Halaszle and scrum-half Kenta Fukuda. Additionally, a notable 17 players will be making their debut in the tournament.
However, Pieter Labuschagne has been excluded from the squad due to a three-match ban imposed following a dangerous tackle during Japan’s 35-12 defeat against Fiji on August 5. Consequently, the South African-born flanker won’t be available for Japan’s opening match against Chile in Toulouse on September 10. In the upcoming update of the Rugby World Cup Men’s Rankings powered by Cap Gemini on Monday at noon (UK).
Japan is set to experience its lowest position in nearly eight years. Following their 35-12 loss to Fiji in Tokyo on Saturday, they will drop two places to 14th, a ranking they last occupied after August 2015. For the second instance in three RWC matches, Japan found themselves down a forward due to a first-half red card. This setback put them at a disadvantage in their final home test match before Rugby World Cup 2023.
With only one warm-up France Rugby World Cup match remaining, scheduled against Italy in Treviso on August 26, Japan’s opportunity to make improvements is narrowing. Their upcoming challenge involves confronting England, Argentina, Samoa, and Chile in Pool D. While Japan had managed to secure a hard-fought 21-16 victory over Tonga two weeks ago despite losing their talisman Michael Leitch to a red card.
The early expulsion of Pieter Labuschagné in the seventh minute proved insurmountable against Fiji Facing a determined Fiji side, Japan conceded five tries, with scrum-half Frank Lomani crossing the line twice. Nevertheless, there is a silver lining in Japan’s strong late surge, resulting in tries by wingers Jone Naikabula and Semisi Masirewa in the final 10 minutes.
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