Japan expecting physical encounter

NAGOYA (June 18) – Japan coach Eddie Jones said Wednesday’s IRB Pacific Nations Cup game with Canada would be a real test of character for his side.

Following Saturday’s historic win against Wales, Japan go up against their oldest international rival in the second game of a doubleheader at Mizuno Stadium. They then travel back to Tokyo to take on the United States on Sunday.

Jones said the short turnaround was no excuse for a poor performance.

“It’s just like the World Cup,” he said following Tuesday’s captain’s run at the stadium. “You have to be good and you have to prepare. The staff have done a good job. The Canadians have flown 15 hours from Toronto so if we are not stronger than them in the last 20 minutes then it’s about attitude not conditioning.”

Jones went to say the top players in Europe play 35 tough games a year.

“How often are they 100 percent? Not often. Japanese players need to understand that. They need to play through pain and injury. That will be the test tomorrow.”

The Japan coach said he expected Canada to play a physical game and it was important Japan fronted up in the early exchanges.

“They are a physical side and like to play side to side,” he said. “They score 57 percent of their tries from turnovers and kick returns. So it’s important for us to physical, keep our spacing and look after the ball. If we can do that and play our rugby at speed and with intensity then I don’t think they can stay with us in the last 20 minutes.”