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Japan fell to a 26-3 loss to South Africa but Rassie Erasmus did not think his team was as superior as the scoreline suggested.
Makazole Mapimpi touched down twice as South Africa ended Japan's incredible Rugby World Cup campaign in the quarter-finals.
South Africa are strong favourites to inflict revenge on Japan four years after the Springboks were humiliated in Brighton.
Captain Michael Leitch says Japan will not fear South Africa and have increasing confidence they can reach the semi-finals.
Ryohei Yamanaka will start for Japan against South Africa, with Jamie Joseph forced to make a single change for the quarter-final tie.
South Africa revert to the team that defeated Italy a fortnight ago for their Rugby World Cup quarter-final with Japan.
Seiji Hirao passed away three years ago on Sunday and Japan will aim to celebrate one of the country's most important rugby figures.
Japan have speed out wide, but Willie le Roux is sure South Africa have the pace to match in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
Wing Cheslin Kolbe and scrum-half Herschel Jantjies are 99 per cent ready to face Japan, Rassie Erasmus revealed on Monday.
A much-changed South Africa were unhindered by humid conditions as they dismantled Canada in Kobe, delighting Rassie Erasmus.
Cobus Reinach scored a hat-trick inside 20 minutes as South Africa thumped Canada 66-7 to reach the quarter-finals at the Rugby World Cup.
South Africa's fringe players must be at their best level against Canada to put themselves in contention of playing in the quarter-finals.
Nicola Quaglio has not escaped punishment for a tip tackle on Duane Vermeulen, while Andrea Lovotti also faced a three-game ban.
With just a four-day turnaround, the Springboks opted for changes for their Rugby World Cup clash against Canada.
South Africa put 14-man Italy to the sword to put one foot in the quarter-finals, but Rassie Erasmus says there was room for improvement.
Ruthless South Africa moved to the top of Pool B by dishing out a seven-try hammering to Italy.
