As the Manu Samoa get ready to face Japan this Saturday, the memories of four years ago are still fresh on the minds of the team when they went down 38-19 to a spirited Brave Blossoms in the last Rugby World Cup.

This year they get to play Japan twice. First up is the game this weekend at the Sapporo Dome and then during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in September as both teams are in the same pool.

The team has moved to the Kubota Spears rugby club’s facility and has been training in the Japanese summer.

Manu Samoa head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has told the media that this game would allow him to have a fair knowledge of what to focus on as the team heads to the RWC.

"I am really looking forward to that game as we are in the same pool at the Rugby World Cup," he said. "It will be a good test for us to see where we are at and what we will need to be doing to be ready for France.

"What I am looking forward to for those guys is to bring the wealth of knowledge and experience they have with them on top of their capabilities as players.

"They are all world-class players and have proven that at test match levels. In terms of our game management, they are accustomed to those pressure situations."

Japan head into this match with a five-match losing streak while Samoa have won four of their last five games. However, Japan has had the opportunity to face tier 1 teams such as France and New Zealand.

Despite that, Vaovasamanaia believes this Manu Samoa team has the experience, depth and ability to prove critics wrong.

"Having that experience and the rugby IQ is going to be really really big for our squad as a whole," he said. “Very happy with the squad we have selected and it was not easy. 

"It is highly competitive. Probably the hardest squad I have selected, just really good competition for places. Rugby games are never won on paper. While it is a great squad, we have got a lot of work to do. I am really excited with this group, with really good skills across all positions.”

Manu Samoa takes on Japan this Saturday at 6.50 pm (Apia time) and returns next week to face Fiji at Apia Park next Saturday, July 29.