In the Rugby World Cup France, Samoa will play their first match in Pool D, the same first round as the Japan. From 1 p.m. on the 16th Japan time, Samoa and Chile will face each other.
In addition to broadcasting on NHK TV and BS10K, it will also be distributed on NHK Plus.
Samoa will face the Japan National Team in their third match at 4 a.m. on 3 September, Japan time. It will be interesting to see what kind of battle they show.
【Explanation by Ayumu Goromaru】What kind of team is Samoa?
【Click here for details】 NHK broadcast schedule
World No. 11 Samoa and world No. 22 Chile have never faced each other before, and this will be their first time meeting each other.
One of the characteristics of Samoa in this tournament is that the players who played for the national team are selected to represent their homeland.
Previously, players could only play for the national team of one country or region, but with the revision of the regulations in 1, it is now possible to change to the national team of another country or region only once if certain conditions are met, such as one of the parents or grandparents being born in that country.
【Learn more】Rugby World Cup Basic "Ki"
Lima Sopoanga
Applying this rule, Samoa will now face former New Zealand stand-off Lima Sopoanga.
Christian Lealifano
Former Australia international Christian Lealiefano, who plays as a stand-off and centre, has been selected.
One of the starting line-ups for the match against Chile, former New Zealand national team number eight, Steven Ruatua, said at the press conference on the 14th:
Steven Ruatua
Steven Ruatua
: "Growing up in New Zealand, I learned about the 'haka' and Maori customs that I perform before matches and I have a lot of respect for their culture, but when I join the Samoa national team, the culture is really different and to be a part of this squad and to be proud of my family is very special."
Samoa will face the Japan National Team in their third match at 3 a.m. on 9 September, Japan time.
It will be interesting to see how the players who have experience in strong countries perform well.
The match will be held in Bordeaux from 29 p.m. on the 4th, Japan time, and will be broadcast on NHK Sogo TV and BS16K, as well as on NHK Plus.