Japan holds 1st training session under interim coach Wisemantel

TOKYO (Oct. 28) – Japan interim head coach Scott Wisemantel said Monday he was hoping his side could put aside Eddie Jones’ illness and put on a performance against the All Blacks that will “make the world stand up and take notice.”

Following his first training session in charge of the team, while Jones remains in hospital recovering from a stroke, Wisemantel said that the players and staff were excited about taking on the best team in the world.

“Of course we were all worried about Eddie,” Wisemantel said. “But now that we know he is making a good recovery, we need to work out how to move forward.”

Wisemantel said he had been in regular contact with Jones and he would be doing his best to move on with the Japan Way.

“Eddie is still the boss he is just not with us. I am getting advice from him, not orders and I would be mad not to as he is a master coach. Eddie is the head coach and my tenure is for this test and the European tour. Hopefully then Eddie will be back as it will mean he has had a speedy recovery.”

Saturday’s test at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground sold out in an hour and Wisemantel said the players were looking forward to the great opportunity they have been given.

“They are all very excited and positive,” he said following the training session at the Suntory Sungoliath ground.

“Wisey gave a great speech about he was prepared to take over and the boys are prepared to follow him,” said Michael Broadhurst, who said he probably wouldn’t be able to sleep on Friday if he is selected to play against the country of his birth.

Two notable absentees from Monday’s training session were Harumichi Tatekwawa and Kosei Ono, who had to attend to family matters, but Wisemantel said he was hopeful both would be back in camp later in the week.