In addition to some fantastic success on the pitch at this year’s Rugby World Cup, Japan have won the heart of the nation and become a firm fan favourite for supporters around the world. Head Coach, Eddie Jones takes 5 minutes out to answer our quick fire questions….
1. After the stunning victory over South Africa, can you sum up in a few words the feelings amongst the Japanese team?
It was very emotional for all of us, I’m very proud of the teams hard work.
2. Do you consider the decision to go for touch, rather than the penalty, in the game against South Africa the bravest decision in the World Cup so far?
It was a ‘roll the dice’ decision, sometimes in Rugby the game loves you and decisions pay off, but sometimes they don’t.
3. That win had a tremendous effect on the upturn of interest in Rugby with the Japanese viewers. A fifth of Japan’s entire population watched the game against Samoa making it the biggest national viewing audience in rugby history! How do you hope to maintain this interest and the momentum leading to hosting the 2019 World Cup?
Simple – we hope to maintain interest by continuing to win. And by playing the Japan way.
4. Ayumu Goromaru, the Japanese fullback who contributed 24 of Japan’s 34 points against the Springboks, has been hailed as a national hero. How are the players coping with the increase of attention?
We have had to keep their feet on the ground, our goal is to keep working hard and that keeps us focused.
5. The game against South Africa not only translated back to Japan, but made Japan a fan favourite for the UK public. How have you found the reception and support in the UK?
The UK has been a fantastic host for the Rugby World Cup, the support and reception has been warm and the country is very knowledgeable to the game.
6. Japan had another strong game against Samoa, leading 20-0 at half time and winning 26-5. What do you feel were the key factors to this win?
Keeping our discipline, sticking to our plan and being fit.
7. Fitness is key to the game. How did the team prepare for this World Cup?
We use a process called tactical periodization, where we decide on our game models and then we gear all of our training around that.
8. How do the team utilise the Wattbikes for training?
The Wattbikes have played a significant role as part of our preparation. Primarily we use the bikes for off-feet conditioning but more importantly they allow our older players to reach and maintain a high level of fitness by doing their “running” on a bike.
9. What are your predictions for the rest of the tournament?
I think it will be an Australia – New Zealand final, and if Dan Carter is fit it will be New Zealand with the win.
10. Other than Japan, which team/player(s) have really impressed you at this World Cup?
Greig Laidlaw (Scrum half) for Scotland, Johnny Sexton (Fly half) for Ireland and Dan Biggar (Fly half) for Wales. And think that as teams, Wales and Australia are doing well.
11. How does this World Cup set Japan up as hosts for the 2019 tournament, and for the ongoing interest/legacy of Rugby in Japan?
This World Cup provides us with the perfect base for the most unique Rugby World Cup in Japan 2019.