TOKYO, June 27, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Japan rugby coach Jamie Joseph said
Wednesday his team were capable of making history by reaching the quarter-
finals at next year’s World Cup.
The 2019 tournament hosts blanked Georgia 28-0 last weekend to complete a
busy month of home Tests with a second victory after splitting a two-match
series with Italy.
It was the first time Japan had held a side ranked in the world’s top 12
scoreless, but it was the character shown by the Brave Blossoms in bouncing
back from their second-Test loss to Italy that prompted a rare display of
bravado from Joseph.
“During the Italy Tests we showed glimpses of our brand of rugby — players
executing with confidence and making great decisions,” the former All Black
told reporters.
“But the Georgia Test showed the commitment and alignment of the team, and
we are starting to build exactly the type of character we need in preparation
for the World Cup,” added Joseph, who tipped his side to “achieve something
great” next year.
“If we make the last eight it would be a great achievement and I do think
we are on track — if the players are willing to put their bodies on the
line. My job is to find a way to win, to find a way to create confidence for
the players.”
Japan, once the whipping boys of the World Cup, posted three victories at
the 2015 tournament under current England coach Eddie Jones, including an
astonishing 34-32 upset over two-time world champions South Africa.
– Tango in Paris –
Their form dipped initially after Joseph took over in 2016 but the Japanese
have shown genuine improvement over the past year, particularly in a 23-23
tango with France in Paris last November — a match they really should have
won.
“I don’t feel relief,” insisted the 48-year-old, after clear signs Japan
have turned the corner.
“If you believe in what you’re doing and what you’re doing is right, you
just keep on going.”
Joseph has had a testing year of double duties after taking charge of the
Tokyo-based Sunwolves, but he credited the Super Rugby competition for
toughening up his players.
“That’s one of the biggest reasons why we are starting to improve,” he
said, mindful of critics who called for the Sunwolves to be booted out of the
competition after a torrid first two seasons.
“Super Rugby is the toughest competition in the world and 100 percent I
believe we need to continue our involvement in Super Rugby if we want to be
competitive on the world stage.”
Japan take on Ireland, Scotland, Russia and a play-off winner in Pool A at
next year’s World Cup but Joseph warned his players they will need to stop
conceding “soft” penalties if they hope to reach the knockout stage.
“We let ourselves down (in the second game) against Italy,” he said.
“If we are going to beat Ireland and Scotland at the World Cup, it’s going
to come down to moments — and we can’t afford soft moments like that.”