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Eddie Jones' Japan humbled by Italy in Sapporo

By Ian Cameron
Ange Capuozzo of Italy scores a try during the International Test match between Japan and Italy at Sapporo Dome on July 21, 2024 in Sapporo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

Eddie Jones’ appalling run of results as head coach shows no sign of stopping after his Japan side were roundly walloped 42-14 by Italy at the at Sapporo Dome.

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Tries for Ange Capuozzo, Ross Vintcent, Alessandro Garbisi, Andrea Zambonin and Martin Page-Relo heaped misery on the hosts in what was a one-sided affair for the most part.

Japan hit back through a quickly taken brace from Dylan Riley which came within the span of just two minutes either side of halftime, but it was the only bright spell for the Brave Blossoms, who were a distant second place to Gonzalo Quesada’s well-drilled Azzurri.

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Portugal coach Simon Mannix reflects on the Test match against the Boks

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Portugal coach Simon Mannix reflects on the Test match against the Boks

Indeed Jones is yet to win a match in his second stint as head coach of Japan, with home losses to Steve Borthwick’s England and Richard Cockerill’s Georgia already under the belt.

Eddie Jones’ poor start in Japan comes after he presided over Australia’s pool stage exit at last year’s Rugby World Cup – the Wallabies’ worst-ever run at the tournament. It was a dismal spell in Australia for the former England head coach, with the Wallabies managing just two wins from nine games under his watch, for a measly win percentage of just 22 per cent.

Jones now has just two wins from his last 13 matches as head coach for Japan, Australia and England, dating back to England’s 25-25 draw with the All Blacks in 2022.

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Comments

23 Comments
M
Michael 44 days ago

Eddie is clearly having a tough time adapting to reality. He is a very good coach, let’s not forget that; however, he has allowed perhaps his ego to get the better of him after 2020 Grand Slam

A
Anthony 45 days ago

Come on guys.
We all witnessed Eddie,s time here. This surely is no surprise .
The press kept on saying what a top coach he was .
right up to him being sacked . He believed his own hype .
Still does probably .

T
Turlough 45 days ago

Italy were 24 nil up before two breakaway tries for Japan (their only scores). Then Italy ratched up another 18.

M
Marcello 45 days ago

I'm shocked to read so much hate for Jones, I was not expecting this from rugby fans. Sad.

T
Tom 46 days ago

Australia were foolish to hire him, Japan were downright stupid.

It's hard to have any sympathy for Jones, he's such a nasty piece of work.

B
Barry 46 days ago

Jones is a total plum. It's still a shame to see how far backwards Japan are going. They didn't kick on from 2019. At all.

m
mitch 46 days ago

Can’t feel for Japan, contacted Jones when coaching Australia in the middle of a World Cup. Both Japan Rugby and Jones classless and deserve all they get.

T
Thomas 46 days ago

Eddie seems to have missed his opportunity to retire graciously.
Now he’s just destroying his legacy.

M
Mitch 46 days ago

Haha, another loss for Eddie!

d
dave 47 days ago

Can someone who knows Eddie tell him he’s done. He’s a psycho, rubbish coach and embarrassing human. Please. Tell him to bugger off and let someone like Rennie help Japan maximise their potential.

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