Rich Freeman / Daily Yomiuri Sportswriter

Japan's Rugby World Cup campaign got a boost Wednesday with the news that Daisuke Ohata is on track to make the trip to France.

The world record holder for test-match tries (69 in 58 internationals) ruptured his Achilles in January but following some rigorous rehabilitation, the Kobe Kobelco Steelers wing looks set to be named in Japan's squad when it is announced on July 23.

"Ohata is looking really good," Japan coach John Kirwan told The Daily Yomiuri on Wednesday.

"I've actually had to hold him back and tell him to rest today."

Along with James Arlidge and Phil O'Reilly, Ohata is hoping to prove his match fitness in the Aug. 10 game against the Asian Barbarians.

"I will name a squad of 35 next week," said Kirwan. "And then we will cut it to 30 the day before the IRB [International Rugby Board] cutoff date [Aug. 14]."

Kirwan went on to say that flanker O'Reilly--returning from an abductor injury--"still had a wee way to go," while Arlidge still had a 10 percent chance of making the trip.

The flyhalf suffered a double fracture of the left leg in May and will no doubt be hoping he can emulate Australia's Chris Latham and make a miraculous return to fitness.

With just 52 days to go before Japan opens its World Cup campaign against the Wallabies, Kirwan is putting his charges through hell in a bid to get them ready for the biggest stage of all.

"It's been pretty torturous," Kirwan said of the fitness camp the team is undergoing in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido. "It's been tough but the boys have dug in."

Kirwan said he was fairly certain on who would make the final cut but added that there were still five or six places up for grabs.

Luatangi Samurai Vatuvei--who like O'Reilly missed all the spring internationals--could fill one of those spots.

"Vatuvei is working very hard on his fitness and looks good and strong with ball in hand."

The Kintetsu Liners lock could be joined in the pack by Takashi Kikutani.

"He [Kikutani] can cover 6 and 8 and was unlucky to miss out on the original squad," said Kirwan. "This is an opportunity for him to prove me wrong."

Japan's game against the Asian Barbarians will be the first under lights at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya.

Following the game, the Brave Blossoms head into a pre-World Cup camp in Italy, where they will play warmup games against the Azzurri and Portugal.

Japan's opening game in the World Cup is against two-time world champion Australia in Lyon on Sept. 8.