'Japan will not take Chile lightly' - Defence coach John Mitchell

Japan defense coach John Mitchell has warned his team to guard against complacency when they face Chile in the opening round of the Rugby World Cup in Toulouse on Sunday.

Chile will be making their debut in the World Cup after finishing second in the Americas qualification and had close games against Argentina XV, Uruguay and Namibia.

Having reached the quarter-finals for the first time in the 2019 home World Cup, the Brave Blossoms will be entering the upcoming showpiece event with a lot of expectation but Mitchell says they will treat Chile with equal respect like any other opposition.

"Chile, while it is important to focus on ourselves first, they are a very gritty side," Mitchell said.

"They have showed determination to get entry into the World Cup and in all their warm-up games they have demonstrated real cohesiveness and ability to fight for each other.

"They are also sprinkled with an outstanding 10 who is very attacking and a 15 who is also very attacking. Naturally they have their direct players, their 9 is a very good runner of the ball."

Mitchell also heaped praises on Chile coach Pablo Lemoine, who has the experience of playing in two World Cups for Uruguay.

"They are coached by a very experienced coach in Pablo who also got Uruguay to qualify for a World Cup in 2015; he comes with enormous experience," Mitchell said.

"He will be working on the need to remain calm under pressure because this tournament bring different pressures."