Eddie Jones took Japan training on Saturday (Image: Getty)
has waved off any doubts about his attendance for Japan’s upcoming tussle with on Sunday at Twickenham despite having to skip press responsibilities due to a cold.
Jones appeared full of vim and vigour as he presided over Japan’s final run-through at Twickenham this Saturday.
Amid a furore sparked by former England star Danny Care’s allegations describing him as a “tyrant” and “despot”, Jones is no stranger to controversy during his tenure at England’s helm.
Assistant Japan coach Neal Hatley fielded questions in Jones’ absence this week.
“Eddie will be there with bells on. You’ve known him long enough to know he’s not missing this. It’s just a precaution. He’ll be fine for the weekend, no problems,” Hatley said.
“He’s unbelievably passionate about improving this Japanese team. He couldn’t be more excited about coming to Twickenham. He looks forward to every game.”
Hatley has worked with Jones for England, Australia and Japan and the scrum specialist does not recognise the allegations made against his boss.
“You vote with your feet and this is the third time I have had an opportunity to work with him and it is the third time I have jumped at it,” he said.
“I have enjoyed working with him immensely. He challenges me daily to be the best version I can be of myself and get the best version of the players.
“I have enjoyed my time immensely – it was a no-brainer for me.”
Despite an initial thrashing by England in Tokyo this June, the resilient Japanese side, according to captain Naoto Saito, are now perfectly poised to spring a surprise, boasting a far more potent arsenal.
Coming up today in London ??????♂️The final stop on our tour ??????????????????Japan v England ?????????????????????????????????????????? ?????? Today, 24 November (1:10 AM 25 November)?????? Allianz StadiumWatch on and On Demand ?????? |
— Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby)
“England are really dominant in the set-piece and under the high ball and I’m sure they will bring those threats against us,” admitted Saito.
“Of course we have counter measures for that and how we use those will be really important to our game. We’ve been focusing on ourselves.
“We started this campaign playing against England. We’ve gone 10 games deep now and are playing them away from home.
“We are really keen to show how much we have developed our attacking game.
“Against England’s fast line speed we really want to nail our accuracy in attack. That’s the part of the game that we would like to continue to develop.”