Jones Affirms Japan’s Ability to Compete with World Elite After Close Australia Defeat
Japan’s recent match against Australia highlighted their capability to compete at the highest level, according to coach Eddie Jones. The game, held on Saturday, concluded with a narrow 19-15 loss for Japan. This event marked Jones’s return to Japan after previously coaching Australia, a position he left following the 2023 World Cup.
Coach’s Insights on Japan’s Performance
Coach Eddie Jones expressed satisfaction with his team’s resilience. He noted, “What I’m super pleased about is that now we are a team that stays in the fight.” Japan showed determination throughout the match, coming close to victory in the closing moments.
Australia’s Perspective
Australia’s coach, Joe Schmidt, acknowledged Japan’s competitive spirit. He stated, “There was nothing surprising about how competitive they were, how combative they were.” This reflects the growing strength of Japan’s rugby team.
Injury Setbacks for Australia
During the match, Australia faced challenges with injuries, losing two locks: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his substitute Josh Canham early on. Schmidt commented on the need for replacements ahead of their upcoming match against England at Twickenham.
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Injured
- Josh Canham – Injured
Upcoming Matches
Japan is set to face South Africa at Wembley Stadium next week. Coach Jones expressed confidence, stating, “We’re going there thinking we’re going to win.” This follows Japan’s remarkable upset against South Africa during the 2015 World Cup in England.
Historic Context
Japan previously achieved a legendary victory against South Africa, showcasing their potential for success under pressure. Coach Jones emphasized the importance of applying pressure: “If you put pressure on and get in their face, they make mistakes.”
As both teams prepare for their next challenges, fans are eager to see how Japan will continue to develop and compete with the world elite. With a focus on improvement and a strong mindset, the Brave Blossoms aim for a memorable performance at Wembley.
