54 • WWW.SCRUMMAGAZINE.COM • ISSUE 113 2019
Amanaki Mafi
Position: Back-Row
Club: Sunwolves
Age: 29
Despite some off-field problems, Mafi remains an
integral part of the Japanese back-row with a
destructive ball carrying game. Four years ago, the
ex-Melbourne Rebels man announced himself to the
world stage with some superb performances - his
display against Scotland was imperious before injury
struck him down.
Four years on and in front of home fans, Mafi could be
the type of talismanic figure that could get Japan
flying.Michael Leitch
Position: Back-Row
Club: Sunwolves
Age: 30
Leitch is Japan’s captain, but the back-row man is
more than just a leader to this side. He recently
scored a try in the Pacific Nations Cup that would
be a worthy winner of World Rugby’s Try of the Year
prize.
Leitch, most commonly found on the blindside
flank, is abrasive and will help to shore up the
set-piece, an area of the game Jamie Joseph’s side
must get right if they are to have any chance of
success.ONES TO WATCH
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54 • WWW.SCRUMMAGAZINE.COM • ISSUE 116 2019