Jones pleased with development of team

TOKYO (June 23) – Japan wrapped up a busy 10-match schedule Sunday with their seventh win, leaving head coach Eddie Jones very pleased with the way the side has developed.

“We played badly against Tonga for 40 minutes and didn’t do well in the rain against Fiji and I blame myself for the way we prepared for that,” he said following the 38-20 win over the United States.

“But after that we have done really well. We had two super games against Wales, slugged it against Canada and today we played some really good rugby.”

However, he said the side still needed to get faster, stronger and more skilful. 

“I read before the game that the All Blacks in their last 50 tests have won 90 percent. That intensity and application to winning we want to be doing. We’ve gone a little way but there is still a long way to go.”

Jones said the key to beating the Eagles was the way the team adjusted in the second half. 

“At halftime I told them they needed to fix their defensive spacing, protect Fumi (Tanaka) a bit more at the breakdown and hold onto the ball. Our forwards coach Steve Borthwick told the forwards before the game that test rugby is a simple game. The contest is to get the ball. The second is to keep it.”

Jones had particular words of praise for Tanaka, who wrapped up another good performance with his side’s sixth and final try.

“He has this absolute desire to win. When the other team has a conversion he races out. His genes are pretty valuable in Japan.”