Share

Japan focused on completing the job

London - Japan were brought swiftly down to earth after beating Samoa 26-5 on Saturday to keep alive hopes of securing their first appearance in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

That feat could be achieved if Scotland slip up against Samoa next Saturday and the Brave Blossoms overcome the United States the following day, though Japan coach Eddie Jones was in realistic mood.

"You look at the history at the World Cup between USA and Japan; USA have won every game," Jones told reporters on Sunday.

"In 2003 they played at Gosford north of Sydney. I remember my father went up there to watch it and Japan were favourites to win that game and they got beaten easily."

Japan began the tournament with a stunning 34-32 win over South Africa before being crushed 45-10 by Scotland and Jones said that preparations this week have to be spot-on.

"It's the same situation on Sunday. We've got to go out there and play our best rugby, play with physical and mental intensity," he said. "So it's all got to do with how we prepare for the game."

Centre Male Sau and lock Hitoshi Ono sustained injuries against Samoa and winger Akihito Yamada suffered a blow to the head.

"Male and Hitoshi will get examinations tonight," Jones said. "Yamada is fine, he's recovering really well. He just has to follow the concussion protocol."

Prop Keita Inagaki was pleased by the disciplined performance against Samoa in Milton Keynes.

"We did our homework on them and it all went according to plan," he said. "We didn't let them score for most of the game, so it's a shame we gave away that try."

"But it's over and done with. As (captain Michael) Leitch said in the dressing room, it's all in the past now and we need to turn our attention to the USA game."

A good day for Australian Jones was completed by the Wallabies knocking England out of the tournament.

"It was a good day to be Australian yesterday. Lucky enough to be coach of Japan and, with a nice glass of red wine, watched Australia beat England," he said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE