Japan's Emperor to attend first rugby Test

Japan's Emperor and Empress will attend the rugby Test match between Japan and Scotland on Saturday, the first time for a Japan head of state.

Scotland are bracing themselves to face a fired-up Japan side in Saturday's second and final Test in Tokyo where Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will be in attendance.

It will be the first time Japan's head of state will attend an international rugby match and organisers expect more than 30,000 fans to turn up at the Ajinomoto Stadium.

Scotland defence coach Matt Taylor admits it is an exciting occasion to be involved in, but has warned his players to expect the home team's motivation to be sky-high for the historic encounter.

"We are really excited that we are going to be playing in front of the Emperor and, talking to the Japanese people and liaison officers, understand that it is a really big deal that he is coming to the game," Taylor said.

"We understand how motivated the Japan team will be and we have spoken about how up for the game we also need to be because of this.

"It is great he is coming, I believe it is the first time he has come. It is really exciting. We are all sure the Japanese players will be motivated to do really well in front of him.

"Having the Emperor here is a big occasion for Japan and the Japanese players. We understand that it is going to be a tough Test match but certainly one that we want to win to finish the season off well."

Scotland will be looking to wrap up a 2-0 series victory in Tokyo having won the opening match 26-13 last weekend.


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Source: AAP


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