Eddie Jones: Japan needs heavy defeats to spark Test comeback
Jones has recruited a high-profile backroom coaching staff, including former South Africa second-row player Victor Matfield and ex-All Black Owen Franks, and expressed confidence he can lead Japan into their first-ever 2027 World Cup semi-finals in Australia.
Jones has an impressive pedigree in the tournament, having guided his native Australia to the final in 2003 and serving as a coaching consultant to the victorious South Africa team in 2007.
During his first spell with Japan, he oversaw Japan’s upset victory over South Africa in 2015 before leading England to the final in 2019.
However, his record was tarnished at the 2023 Olympics in France when his Australian team suffered their first ever pool stage exit in the country’s history.
