At a press conference, Japanese coach Eddie Jones returned to his team’s big defeat against the French XV. For him and his men, “the road is still very long”….
How do you analyze this defeat against the XV of France?
It was a difficult night for us. We were swept away in the first half by the physicality of the French. A young team like ours could have given up at 31-0 at halftime but they nevertheless fought well in the second half. It is a long-term battle that awaits us, particularly in terms of the physical dimension. We will have to work on this.
When you took office, you wanted to raise Japan into the top 4 of world nations. Have you revised the objective downward since then?
We’ve only been working together for four months and it’s going to be a long journey. But why not, one day? […] Physically, at the Stade de France, we couldn’t compete with their size, their weight… It was really difficult… Overall, I have difficulty judging the performance of our players, in particular that of our hinge or the number 8 Tevita Tatafu, behind a pack of forwards who were equally dominated.
Between France and New Zealand, I expect a fantastic Rugby match
Can you build on this encouraging second half?
The most difficult thing, when you have an inexperienced team at international level, is to exist on continuity, in intensity throughout the match… I see that the players have never lowered their heads like that was probably the case against New Zealand (19-64) a few days ago. Even when the referee refuses a try, you must immediately return to the fight. We will get there, one day.
What did you think of the France team?
Antoine Duponthe was given too much space and time. When it does, it’s hard to stop. After another week of training, he will be even stronger. […] The intensity of the Rugby Championship has increased in recent times, the results of New Zealand, Argentina and Australia attest to this. They are ahead of the teams from the northern hemisphere at the moment. Between France and New Zealand, I’m expecting a great rugby match between two teams who like to attack.
Senegal
