Jones praises players after Japan rises to 9th in world rankings

TOKYO (Nov. 11) – Head coach Eddie Jones praised his players Tuesday after it was officially announced by the International Rugby Board that Japan had risen to an all-time high of ninth in the world rankings.

“It’s a great tribute to the team and players and all the credit should go to them,” he said from Bucharest where the Brave Blossoms are preparing to take on Romania on Saturday.

 
Japan haven’t played a test-match since June – the recent games against the Maori All Blacks being non-cap internationals – but they jumped two places after Argentina lost to Scotland and Samoa were beaten by Italy over the weekend.

 
While delighted with the news, Jones also said it was important the players remembered what the long-term goal is.

 
“We’ve also realistically got to keep improving. To make the quarterfinals of the World Cup, there’s a lot of hard work involved.”

 
Japan are currently on a 10-match winning streak and Jones said he was hopeful the side could extend that to 12 win wins over Romania and Georgia in the coming weeks.

 
“We want to play well these last two games and hopefully finish the season undefeated.”