Jones says team learnt from "perfect practice game"

OSAKA (April 26) – Japan coach Eddie Jones remained upbeat despite his side going down 35-29 to Asia Pacific Dragons on Saturday, saying it had been the ideal preparation ahead of the Asian 5 Nations, which this year doubles up as Asia’s qualifying tournament for Rugby World Cup 2015.

 “We wanted to play a physical pack and fast backs so it was the perfect practice game,” he said after the game at Hanazono Stadium. “We learnt two or three things about ourselves.”

Jones said the young backs he had picked had generally done well with ball in hand, but he admitted there were a few defensive lapses.

“We didn’t put enough pressure on the opposition so we gave Tusi (Pisi) a free rein to do whatever he wanted. We also didn’t attack enough off nine, and our options off 10 weren’t fantastic. But for Japanese rugby playing the young guys today is a great investment for the future.”

New captain Michael Leitch agreed with his coach saying, “There were some good points but we just need to fix the small details and then we can improve.”

Jones admitted that his side hadn’t put enough points on the board early on when they dominated possession and territory but said that “When we are a good side we can do that. But like everything good in life it takes time. But we are certainly going in the right direction.”

Japan travel to the Philippines this week for their opening game in the A5N.

“We are certainly not taking for granted that we are going to qualify (for the World Cup),” Jones said. “We are only thinking about the Philippines at the moment.”