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Gulf all set to take on Japan
07/09/10
Gulf All Set to Take on Japan
The Araban Gulf travel to Japan tonight (Wednesday 5th May) to take on defending Champions Japan, in what will be undoubtedly their toughest test to date.
Fresh from their defeat of Hong Kong the Gulf make just one change to the squad, which sees Dubai Hurricanes Wing take the place of flamboyant French Full Back Nicolas De Marco who is unavailable due to business commitments. Smith will have a tough job on his hands as he prepares to face Kosuke Endo who scored five tries for Japan in their 71-13 thrashing of Korea last week.
Last weeks victory was built on strong defensive foundations which will certainly be needed in Tokyo where the Gulf last played in 2006. However, this is a different Gulf team under the stewardship of Kiwi coaching duo Bruce Birtwistle and Shane Thornton. The team now has a core of home grown players in Jonny MacDonald, James Love, Taif Delamie, Ross Stapleton and Paul Beard who were all born and learned their trade in the junior ranks of clubs such as Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Bahrain and Muscat RFC.
The match will be played at Prince Chichibu Stadium in Tokyo and kicks off at 1400 local time (GMT +9)
