Jones says Maori loss will be learning experience

KOBE (Nov. 1) – Japan coach Eddie Jones said he was disappointed with the result but proud of his players after a Japan XV lost 61-21 to the Maori All Blacks on Saturday.

“I am really pleased how the players stuck at it,” he said after the game at Noevir Stadium. “They (the Maori) were clearly the better side and there is no loss in pride in getting beaten by a better side.”

Jones said his side had been beaten at the breakdown and that they would “need to box a bit more clever next week” when the two sides meet in Tokyo.

“They scored six tries from our mistakes. If we can minimize those next week, have a quicker and more organized transition in defense and play it smart then it should be a good game.”

Brave Blossoms captain Michael Leitch said that in terms of physicality, speed and power his side had been second best.

“The positive thing is we know where we are and know what we have to improve on,” he said.

Jones said the Japan players still struggled to adapt to situations on the field, while the New Zealanders “grow up playing touch rugby in the park and know how to react.”

Despite his disappointment Jones said there was still plenty to take from the game.

“We learnt more in that game than in our past 10 matches. We deliberately tried to challenge ourselves. Michael Leitch had his best game of the season by far, Kensuke Hatakeyama did well and Ayumu Goromaru had more carries in the first half than he has had all season at Yamaha.”

“The more used to we are playing in difficult situations the better it will be. We need to make better decisions and experience is the best teacher of all.”