Both sides go into this interesting fixture at Northland Events Centre desperate for a first World Cup win of 2011. For Tonga an encouraging display against New Zealand on the opening night was followed up by the disappointment of throwing away a strong position to lose to Canada, whilst Japan are still searching for a first tournament victory since overcoming Zimbabwe in 1991.
With Tonga chopping, changing and stuttering through this year's showpiece and the Cherry Blossoms showing great determination and organisation for the better part of 70 minutes against France signs suggest that the Pacific Nations Cup champions are on course for that long-overdue win, and they are further bolstered by the fact that they have prevailed in the last five meetings between the two sides.
With an 83-7 mauling of their second-string by the All Blacks put behind them, John Kirwan's men are fired up and looking to employ a physical performance full of grit and edge that so surprised and delighted rugby viewers against Les Bleus and counter Tonga's own strong running and tackling game.
Although the majority of that team return there are two forced changes to the starting XV due to injury; Ryukoliniashi Holani and Koji Taira are replaced by Itaru Taniguchi who comes in on the blindside flank and Samoan-born Alisi Tupuailai who takes his place outside centre.
For Tonga the tie with Japan is the last real chance the team has to gain a win in Pool A after the dissatisfaction of defeat to the Canucks and with France last up on October 1 in Wellington.
For the second successive fixture, head coach Isatola Maka rings the changes on a grand scale, meaning that squad stalwarts Kurt Morath, Siale Piutau and Taniela Moa are the only players to have been involved in all three of Tonga's World Cup matches - illustrating the uncertainty within the islanders' camp and an unsettled selection policy that has beset an underachieving campaign.
The team are further undermined by the injury to captain and talisman Finau Maka who misses the crucial clash with a rib injury. Experienced hooker Aleki Lutui takes the arm band and he is rejoined in the front row by Cardiff Blue Taufa'ao Filise and Northampton's Soane Tonga'uiha.
Paino Hehea, Sione Kalamafoni and Viliami Ma'afu form the backbone of the Tongan pack whilst Vungakoto Lilo and Sukanaivalu Hufanga take their place in the back-line.
Hufanga slots in on the left wing - opposite the dangerous Kosuke Endo - with Lilo taking Morath's place at full-back as the Souths' utility man is charged with directing play from fly-half. Moa returns to the more familiar role of scrum half following an unsuccessful stint at pivot against Canada, with the Chiefs' half-back hoping for a more influential outing on Wednesday night.
With the game being of such importance to both sides, a tough and tense affair is expected with the two teams able to display strength up front as well as flair out wide. Although one team will ultimately end up bitterly disappointed come full-time, at least the neutrals should have a good rugby experience to enjoy.
PREDICTION: With Japan winning the previous 5 matches between the sides dating back to 2007 they clearly have the mental advantage and possessing a far more settled squad the Brave Blossoms should have the composure and ability to clinch a tight victory. JAPAN BY 5.
