Rugby World Cup LIVE: England v Japan build-up, team news and ...

Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli will make history as one of the officials at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 28-year-old makes his tournament debut and is the first referee from Georgia to officiate at the event.

He is the youngest whistler since Wayne Barnes in 2007 to be appointed to a men’s World Cup panel.

Amashukeli represented Georgia at junior level as a centre, but was forced to retire at the age of 20 after a series of concussions and other injuries.

He was recruited as a referee as part of a new programme to improve officiating standards in the country, developed in partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:25

The Brave Blossoms make six changes from the win against Chile last Sunday. Dylan Riley is replaced by Tomoko Osada as head coach Joseph opts to make four changes in the pack. Shota Horiei is preferred to Atsushi Sakate at hooker, while Jack Cornelson moves from the back row into the second row to replace Amanaki Saumaki.

Captain Kazuki Himeno has recovered from a leg injury that saw him miss his side’s opener against Chile, with the 29-year-old returning at No 8. He is joined in the back row by Pieter Labuschagne, who returns from a suspension to replace Kanji Shimokawa at flanker.

Japan XV: 15-Semisi Masirewa, 14-Kotaro Matsushima, 13-Tomoko Osada, 12-Ryoto Nakamura, 11-Jone Naikabula, 10-Rikiya Matsuda, 9-Yutaka Nagare; 1-Keita Inagaki, 2-Shota Horie, 3-Jiwon Gu, 4-Jack Cornelsen, 5-Amato Fakatava, 6-Michael Leitch, 7-Pieter Labuschagne, 8-Kazuki Himeno (c).

Replacements: 16-Atsushi Sakate, 17-Craig Millar, 18-Asaeli Ai Valu, 19-Warner Dearns, 20-Kanji Shimokawa, 21-Naoto Saito, 22-Dylan Riley, 23-Lomano Lemeki

Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:10

Lewis Ludlam comes in to replace the suspended Tom Curry as England make minimal changes from the team that beat Argentina. Ludlam comes in at No 8 with Ben Eal shuffling across to flanker.

Elsewhere, there are two changes in the front row as Joe Marler and Kyle Sinckler come in to replace Dan Cole and Ellis Genge. Billy Vunipola is available again after serving his suspension and sits amongst the replacements.

England XV: 15-Freddie Steward, 14-Jonny May, 13-Joe Marchant, 12-Manu Tuilagi, 11-Elliot Daly, 10-George Ford, 9-Alex Mitchell; 1-Joe Marler, 2-Jamie George, 3-Kyle Sinckler, 4-Maro Itoje, 5-Ollie Chessum, 6-Courtney Lawes (c), 7-Ben Earl, 8-Lewis Ludlam.

Replacements: 16-Theo Dan, 17-Ellis Genge, 18-Will Stuart, 19-George Martin, 20-Billy Vunipola, 21-Ben Youngs, 22-Marcus Smith, 23-Ollie Lawrence.

Luke Baker17 September 2023 16:55

When is England vs Japan?

England vs Japan is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday 17 September at the Stade de Nice.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 7:15pm BST. Registered users can also stream the action via ITVX.

Luke Baker17 September 2023 16:40

England will look to build on their encouraging opening weekend win in the Rugby World Cup as they take on Japan.

Steve Borthwick’s side responded superbly after losing Tom Curry to an early red card as George Ford’s kicking masterclass saw them impressively eke out a 27-10 victory over Argentina in Marseille. Victory here against Japan would see England take a huge step towards securing a spot in the tournament’s knockout stages.

Japan, however, will provide a stern test having picked up a comprehensive 42-12 victory against Chile last weekend, with Jamie Joseph’s side looking to pull off an upset to put them in a fantastic position heading into the final few rounds of the group stages.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Luke Baker17 September 2023 16:28

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of England vs Japan. Stick with us for all the action from a crunch match at the Rugby World Cup.

Luke Baker17 September 2023 16:27