Japan ring changes to fight for Asian Sevens Series crown

Japan have rung the changes for the second leg of the Asian Sevens Series in Kuala Lumpur, bringing in six new players in a bid to hang on to their regional crown as well as step up preparations for the Asian Games where they will be defending their gold medal.

The biggest change sees sevens skipper for the last two seasons, Katsuyuki Sakai, returning to the team who suffered a shock semi-final defeat at the hands of South Korea, 28-21, in the first leg of the series in Hong Kong a fortnight ago. Also in the team is Pacific islands playmaker Lomano Lemeki who is also Asian Games-qualified.

"This is a very important tournament for us if we are to defend our Asian sevens crown," said Japan manager Yusuke Kuwano. "With only three legs this season, it is crucial we reach the final and win it. I'm also looking towards the Asian Games and this will be an ideal preparation."

If Hong Kong, led by Jamie Hood, win the 12-team event they will be crowned Asian champions and regain the title they last held in 2012.

"Our focus will still be on ourselves," said head coach Gareth Baber. "We did things right in Hong Kong and we need to do them again. From a Japan perspective I suppose they are looking with one eye on the Asian Games in terms of preparation and making up some ground on South Korea and us in relation to the Asian Sevens Series.

"In terms of the individuals they have brought in, obviously there is some quality and expertise. But we have that quality and expertise in our group as well and I think that they have done it for the purposes of developing their squad for the Asian Games and the depth of their squads."