Kolisi, Leitch embrace pressure ahead of Boks-Blossoms RWC quarterfinal

Both teams have shown their hands for the last 8 showdown this coming Sunday in Tokyo. 

The Springboks have opted for an approach that suits their strengths and hopefully counters the relentless attack of their opponents this weekend. 

With six forwards and two backs on the Bok bench, Springbok director of rugby Rassie Erasmus hopes that a fresh tight five will allow his team to have enough gas in the tank to overcome a fit and firing Japanese outfit. 

Meanwhile Brave Blossoms coach Jamie Joseph made just one change to his team that beat Scotland in their pool stage decider last Sunday. 

Skippers weigh in 

Japan only named their side on Friday but both team's skippers faced up to the media in separate press conferences. 

Siya Kolisi and Michael Leitch will lead their teams out into what is certain to be a capacity crowd in Tokyo on Sunday. 

Nevertheless both leaders seem confident that their teammates won't be daunted by the atmosphere and occasion. 

 “It has been do-or-die for us since the first game so we have been in that mindset for a couple of weeks now. This is not like any other Test match – it’s play-off time at the World Cup and we have prepared mentally for it," Kolisi explained during his captain's press conference at the Tokyo Stadium. 

“Each of us will have different ways of doing that and the coaches haven’t put us under pressure mentally – we have prepared as a normal Test match week – but we know as players what we need to do and what needs to be done.

“I don’t think anyone needs to tell us that this is a big game. We know as players how big this is and if you don’t then you probably shouldn’t be here.”

While there seems to be a wave of confidence in the host nation's camp, the Springboks still go into the clash as favourites to make the semifinals. 

That hasn't deterred the Japanese skipper though, as Leitch explained on Friday. While the task seems daunting, focusing on analysis has helped Japan overcome the nerves of facing the Springboks. 

Furthermore beating Scotland last weekend less than 24 hours after Typhoon Hagibis had ravaged the country has given Japan the belief that they can march on even further into the competition. 

"Not being satisfied. The end is not here. We'll play in the last eight and have another chance to show our game to our people. Each of us are playing to have more of that opportunity," Leitch said. 

"South Africa look really scary at the start of the week, but we begin to feel really excited as we understand the game and think about how to break them down. That fear gradually fades and confidence rises." 

The Springboks face Japan on Sunday. Kickoff is at 12h15 South African time. 

If you missed the Japan team announcement - below is their matchday 23:

1. Keita Inagaki

2. Shota Horie

3. Jiwon Koo

4. Luke Thompson

5. James Moore

6. Michael Leitch (capt.)

7. Pieter Labuschagne

8. Kazuki Himeno

9. Yutaka Nagare

10. Yu Tamura

11. Kenki Fukuoka

12. Ryoto Nakamura

13. Timothy Lafaele

14. Kotaro Matsushima

15. Ryohei Yamanaka

16. Atsushi Sakate

17. Isileli Nakajima

18. Asaeli Ai Valu

19. Wimpie van der Walt

20. Amanaki Lelei Mafi

21. Fumiaki Tanaka

22. Rikiya Matsuda

23. Lomano Lava Lemeki 

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