Rugby: Cherry Blossoms aim for Top 10

Japan's rugby coach, former All Black John Kirwan, takes players through ball handling skills. Photo / Natalie Slade

Japan have qualified for the Rugby World Cup and want to push into the global top 10 when the tournament starts next year in New Zealand.

The Cherry Blossoms have won their last four tests and coach John Kirwan and his side have stopped over in New Zealand where they will play a North Harbour XV on Friday before heading for their annual Pacific Nations Cup in Samoa.

"We are ranked 13th at the moment but my goal is to get them into the top 10," Kirwan said.

"These sort of transition games are great leading into the PNC. We have a few players who are carrying injuries but we will give them a few days to see what sort of condition they are in."

Japan was working hard to settle on a style which suited them, their players and the laws.

"When I first arrived they had a losing culture but that has improved," said Kirwan.

"These guys have great feet, they are agile, quick, competitive, they never give up and many of them are university-educated so they learn quickly."

Once his illustrious playing career finished, Kirwan assisted coaching the Blues, then moved to Italy for four seasons then his job with Japan before the last World Cup. His contract ends after next year's tournament.