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Eddie Jones has made six changes to his Japan side for Saturday's Nations Championship clash with France in Tokyo, with flanker Esei Haangana handed a Test debut among the alterations. The selection overhaul is heavily weighted towards the pack, signalling Jones's intent to meet the French physically rather than simply trying to outmanoeuvre them through pace and structure.
Haangana's debut is the headline selection. Earning a first Test cap against France is no gentle introduction, and Jones clearly believes the flanker is ready for the challenge that a powerful, abrasive French forward unit will provide from the first whistle in Tokyo.
The five additional changes compound the impact of the reshuffle, giving Japan a noticeably different look up front from whatever Jones fielded previously in this Nations Championship campaign. For a side competing in a tournament that places genuine value on results and standings, getting the balance of the pack right against France is critical — a loss here tightens the pressure on Japan's remaining fixtures considerably.
France arrive in Tokyo as formidable opposition at any stage of a season, but Japan at home, backed by a passionate crowd and driven by a coach who knows exactly how to motivate an underdog, will not simply absorb the visit. Jones has been down this road before — building competitive packs to disrupt European heavyweights — and this selection suggests he backs his forwards to trouble France at the breakdown and at the set piece.