17 April,2015
Japan to use Korean game as preparation for RWC
INCHEON, South Korea (April 17) – Japan coach Eddie Jones said Friday his team were looking at the bigger picture ahead of the start of the inaugural Asia Rugby Championship.
“Every game we play is in preparation for the World Cup,” he said after his side had completed their final training session at Namdong Asiad Rugby Ground ahead of Saturday’s game against South Korea.
“The Rugby World Cup is all I care about. We are 20 percent where we need to be but I am pleased with the players’ effort and attitude.”
The Brave Blossoms take on South Korea in the revamped tournament that hopes to raise the standard of both the Koreans and Hong Kong ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, but Jones admitted his thoughts were all geared towards this year’s tournament in England and the opening game against South Africa on Sept. 19.
Part of that preparation will involve the team playing different styles of rugby within games.
“We need to develop a more tactically varied approach,” he said. “Within games we will be changing the plan so the players feel comfortable playing them.”
Jones has named three new caps – Chihito Matsui, who starts on the wing and replacements Kazuhiko Usami and Tsuyoshi Murata – in the 23-man squad and fullback Ayumu Goromaru admitted the nerves were getting to them ahead of the big day.
“We have a few young players playing tomorrow so it is important we make things comfortable for them. Everyone feels like that when they first play for the national team. But its good to feel nervous. I am not going to demand too much of them, especially Matsui. I just want to support him so he can play to his full potential.”
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