As England prepares to face Japan at Twickenham, all eyes are on Eddie Jones and his innovative approach to rugby. The former England head coach, now leading the Brave Blossoms, has implemented a high-speed strategy that promises to challenge the home team’s defenses. With both sides eager for victory, this match is set to be a thrilling showcase of speed, skill, and tactical prowess.
Eddie Jones’ vision : revolutionizing Japanese rugby
Eddie Jones, renowned for his tactical acumen, has returned to coach Japan with a clear mission : to transform the team into the fastest in world rugby. His concept of chosoku (super-fast) rugby aims to create a distinct identity for Japanese rugby, much like South Africa is known for physicality and New Zealand for counter-attacking prowess.
Jones’ strategy involves :
- Implementing high-intensity training sessions
- Focusing on quick decision-making
- Enhancing players’ physical conditioning
- Developing rapid ball movement and play execution
This approach has been met with enthusiasm from players, despite the grueling nature of the training. Centre Siosaia Fifita remarked, “When I first came into the camp, I didn’t know the training was going to be so hard and tough – harder than before – but I have enjoyed it.” This sentiment underscores the team’s commitment to Jones’ vision and their determination to succeed on the international stage.
Japan’s evolution since the June encounter
The upcoming match at Twickenham presents a unique opportunity for Japan to showcase their progress since their last meeting with England in June. Despite a 52-17 loss in Tokyo, the Japanese team has undergone significant development in the intervening months.
Hooker Mamoru Harada emphasized this growth, stating, “We have experienced 10 games now this year and we will show a different Japan this weekend.” This confidence stems from several factors :
- Increased experience for younger players
- Refinement of Jones’ high-speed rugby strategy
- Improved team cohesion and understanding
- Enhanced physical conditioning to maintain pace throughout the match
The return of star number eight Kazuki Himeno, who missed the June match, further bolsters Japan’s prospects. Additionally, the inclusion of centre Dylan Riley and prop Opeti Helu, both former Australia age-grade internationals, adds depth and versatility to the squad.
Twickenham challenge : speed meets physicality
As Japan prepares to face England at Twickenham, they’re acutely aware of the physical challenge that awaits them. The Japanese team’s strategy revolves around leveraging their speed advantage while addressing the size disparity between the two sides.
Harada highlighted the team’s focus on physicality, particularly in relation to new addition Opeti Helu : “He is really big and once we can start using his strength, we can really be destructive.” At 6ft 3in and 20 stone, Helu brings considerable power to the Japanese pack. However, Harada also noted the importance of technique, stating, “He also really needs to get used to the Japanese height and scrum low – once he can improve that area, he can really be a powerful scrummager.”
This blend of speed and newfound physicality could prove crucial in challenging England’s defensive strategies, particularly given the host nation’s recent string of losses. England has not secured a victory since their win against Japan in the summer, facing defeats against New Zealand, Australia, and world champions South Africa.
High stakes and historical context
The significance of this match extends beyond mere national pride. For Japan, it represents an opportunity to prove their mettle against a tier-one nation and potentially replicate the seismic shock of their 2015 Rugby World Cup victory over South Africa – a triumph orchestrated by none other than Eddie Jones himself.
For England, the pressure is mounting. Their recent losing streak has raised questions about the team’s form and strategy. A victory against a resurgent Japan would provide much-needed confidence and silence critics.
The historical context of this match adds another layer of intrigue :
| Aspect | England | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| World Rugby Ranking | Higher | Lower |
| Recent Form | Struggling | Improving |
| Coach’s Background | New management | Eddie Jones’ return |
| Playing Style | Traditional power | Emerging speed-based approach |
As the teams prepare to clash at Twickenham, rugby fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a match that promises to be a fascinating study in contrasting styles and strategies. Will Eddie Jones’ high-speed vision for Japanese rugby prove successful against England’s traditional strengths ? The answer awaits on the hallowed turf of Twickenham, where speed and power will collide in a test of rugby’s evolving landscape.
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