Japan hoping for competitive game against Hong Kong

TOKYO (May 1) – Japan coach Eddie Jones said Friday he hoped Saturday’s game against Hong Kong would be a competitive affair, though he admitted once again that he hoped his side wouldn’t peak until Sept. 19 when they open their Rugby World Cup campaign against South Africa.

“At the end of the day it is still a test match and the first thing we want to do is win the game,” he said after his team had their final training run at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

“Hong Kong are fielding the youngest side they have put out against us in four years so I expect many of them will have no fear of us and might rip into it, and hopefully that will make it a competitive game.”

Japan opened their Asia Rugby Championship campaign with a 56-30 win over South Korea that Jones described as a “rusty” and “sloppy” performance, but that, he said, was in the past.

“I don’t worry about the Korea game because that’s a game we will never play again.”

As for Saturday’s game, Jones said there were a number of areas he wanted the team to work on.

“We want to vary the attack, make sure we play away from the set piece and play with energy.”

Jones said there were a few issues with jet lag following the squad’s short visit to England last week, but overall he was pleased with how the team had trained.

He was also full of praise for wing Akihito Yamada, who returns to the side briefly before returning to Super Rugby side the Western Force.

“I have been really impressed with his attitude and told him to talk to the younger wings in the squad. He understands what it takes to play international rugby.”