Endo the Answer to Japan against Flying Fijians

Kosuke Endo may just be the answer to Japan head coach John Kirwan's prayers as he looks to a second win in an IRB Pacific Nations Cup campaign for the first time this afternoon against the Flying Fijians.

Impressive at last year's rugby world cup, Endo has also played a full part in Japan's recent up-turn in form and was involved in the Cherry Blossoms outstanding 35-13 victory against Tonga last week.

Meanwhile, young Michael Tagicakibau will be making his debut for the Flying Fijians replacing Vilimoni Delasau, a move coach Ilivasi Tabua has full confidence in, adding to the changes to the team that lost to the New Zealand Maori last week.

In the forwards, Alefoso Yalayalatabua starts at loose-head prop in place of Graham Dewes while Aporosa Vata start at scrumhalf for Mosese Rauluni and Michael Tagicakibau comes in for Vilimoni Delasau.

The Fiji/Japan match kicks off at 5:05pm today, while Australia A meet Tonga in Sydney.

In other PNC match played yesterday, New Zealand Maori maintained their unbeaten run in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup, but were made to fight for the 17-6 victory by a rugged Samoa side last night.