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Japan coach takes up the reins at the Sunwolves

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph. Photo / Getty Images

Japan coach Jamie Joseph has taken charge of Super Rugby side the Sunwolves.

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Joseph replaces Filo Tiatia as head coach of a Japanese franchise who have struggled to compete in Super Rugby since joining the competition last year.

New Zealander Joseph ended his spell at the helm of the Highlanders to take charge of Japan in 2016 and will combine national-team duties with his new role.

Joseph, who masterminded the Highlanders’ Super Rugby title success two years ago, said: “Firstly I would like to thank Filo for his huge contribution to the Sunwolves and Japanese rugby. Filo has been an integral part in the development of our Japanese players as we prepare for the world cup in 2019.

“As the new head coach I understand the responsibility of coaching at this level. I can’t wait for next season. We have a huge challenge ahead of us, but I’ve been here before with the Highlanders.”

Tiatia is to pursue a coaching career elsewhere after two seasons with the Sunwolves.

The Tokyo-based Sunwolves, who also play home matches in Singapore, will compete in the Australian Conference in a new-look Super Rugby competition next year after three teams were axed.

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Nickers 28 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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