Jamie Joseph: Matsushima has x-factor to upstage 'wonderful' Sexton

"He's been one of Japanese rugby's stand-out players for some time now.  It's just good to have him back."

Japan's coach Jamie Joseph (C) watches the warm up ahead of the Summer International rugby union match between Ireland and Japan at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on July 3, 2021. (Photo by Donall Farmer / POOL / AFP) (Photo by DONALL FARMER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Jamie Joseph knows that Saturday's Aviva Stadium encounter is supposed to be Johnny Sexton’s day but the Japan head coach will be looking to his own world-class operator to steal some of the limelight.

Kotaro Matsushima became a global star at the World Cup two years ago. His five tries, alongside a further four from Kenki Fukuoka on the other wing, helped propel the Brave Blossoms as far as the quarter-final stage where they finally fell to South Africa’s eventual champions.