World Cup Focus continues its preview of the teams competing in France this year with a look at Asian champions Japan.

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JAPAN

Pool: B (Australia, Wales, Fiji, Canada)

World Ranking: 18

Coach: John Kirwan

Key players: Takuro Miuchi (pictured), Daisuke Ohata, Hare Makiri

Japan have long been the powerhouses of Asian rugby and are, to date, the only Asian nation to have qualified for the World Cup. In fact, they have competed in all five tournaments.

It is no secret that their players lack the physique to be true contenders on the world stage, but what they lack in size they certainly make up for in speed and organisation.

Over the years, Japan have made the most of overseas players who have spent enough time in the Land of the Rising Sun to qualify for the international side through residency and this year is no different.

The policy has allowed them to add some much-needed beef to their forwards and greater experience in some of the key positions. It looks likely their squad for France will include at least three New Zealanders.

That said, Japan have just the one World Cup victory to their name, a 52-8 victory over Zimbabwe in Belfast, back in 1991.

While their record is nothing to boast about, they have rarely failed to give a good account of themselves. Their bravery and never-say-die attitude have earned them praise at every tournament.

In a bid to improve their chances in France, the Japan Rugby Union this year employed the services of New Zealand legend John Kirwan, who has been coaching the Brave Blossoms since January.

Kirwan, who was in charge of Italy at the 2003 tournament, has been given a target of achieving two victories in France to surpass Japan's previous best effort in 1991.

It looks a big ask for the former All Blacks wing as his side have been drawn with Australia, Wales, Fiji and Canada in Pool B.

The Wallabies and Welsh will almost certainly prove too strong for Kirwan's side so they will be targeting the latter two.

Kirwan has pulled off shock wins in the past, guiding Italy to historic Six Nations victories over Wales in 2003 and Scotland in 2004, and he will doubtless have a few surprises in store for the Canadians and the inconsistent Fijians.

Can Japan reach their target of two wins? Unlikley. Will they again entertain us with their quick-fire brand of rugby? Most likely.

World Cup record

1987: No wins

1991: One pool win

1995: No wins

1999: No wins