Eddie Jones - Japan must beat big teams for respect

Japan head coach Eddie Jones has said his side still struggle to earn respect on the global stage and must defeat top-tier opponents to change that perception.

Speaking ahead of a busy Test schedule, Jones voiced frustration that Japan are often admired for short spells of play but dismissed over entire matches.

Japan will host Australia in Tokyo before a European campaign that includes clashes with world champions South Africa, as well as Ireland, Wales and Georgia. The ambitious schedule is part of Jones’s push to elevate Japan’s standing in world rugby.

Jones confirmed a 38-man training squad and defended the inclusion of newcomers at No. 9 and No. 10. He said those players have trained with the squad long term, and insisted:

“Some of them played in the other games … We feel they have good energy, they are up for the challenge, mentally and physically and technically they’re ready for it.”

The coach also raised concerns about a recent Pacific Nations Cup final in which Japan lost 33-27 to Fiji.

Jones alleged Fiji played with an extra player for several minutes without sanction, calling it a serious oversight. He used the example to illustrate what he sees as inconsistency in how matches are governed.

“If a team has an extra player for six minutes, it’s a serious, serious incident,” he said. “I’m just using that as an example of maybe we don’t get enough respect in terms of the way the game is governed.”