Japan hosted New Zealand with the chance to make a statement under returning head coach Eddie Jones, but what was a promising start soon fizzled out as the All Blacks ran away with a huge winning margin.
Japan hosted New Zealand with the chance to make a statement under returning head coach Eddie Jones, but what was a promising start soon fizzled out as the All Blacks ran away with a huge winning margin.
In their Pacific Nations Cup opener, Japan defeated the USA 41-24 at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, showcasing strong performances from key players like Dylan Riley and Harumichi Tatekawa.
In their Pacific Nations Cup opener, Japan defeated the USA 41-24 at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, showcasing strong performances from key players like Dylan Riley and Harumichi Tatekawa.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has turned to Takuya Yamasawa at full-back after naming an otherwise unchanged starting XV for the visit of USA this weekend.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has turned to Takuya Yamasawa at full-back after naming an otherwise unchanged starting XV for the visit of USA this weekend.
Eddie Jones' inexperienced Japan side may have slumped to a 52-17 loss in Tokyo, but there were performances that would have pleased the coach in his first game back.
Eddie Jones has selected a largely inexperienced squad for his first Test back as head coach of the Brave Blossoms, with rising star Yoshitaka Yazaki winning his first cap at full-back.
Eddie Jones has named 12 uncapped players in his first squad as he leads Japan into a new era.