Rugby World Cup: Japan coach Eddie Jones tips All Blacks, says Wallabies can reach final
JAPAN coach Eddie Jones, who also guided the Wallabies to the gripping extra-time final against England in 2003, answers the big questions of the 2015 tournament.
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EDDIE Jones is in rare territory as he prepares to coach a third nation at the Rugby World Cup.
After guiding the Wallabies to the gripping extra-time final against England in 2003, he was a key coaching consultant with the Springboks throughout their 2007 triumph.
Jones is sick of the condescending smiles for Japanese rugby and wants them to be one of the stories of this World Cup in England.
Here, he answers the big questions of the 2015 tournament.
And the winner is? New Zealand but only guaranteed if Dan Carter is fit
Opponents in the final? Australia or England
How far will Australia go? It’s totally dependent on beating England in the big pool game. Win and the Wallabies can reach the final and avoid the Kiwi side of the draw.
How does the big Australia v England pool match play out? If the scrum holds up and the forwards front up, Australia beat England because there is too much skill and pace in the backs.
Crucially, England are weaker scrummagers now hooker Dylan Hartley has been omitted.
Who will start first-up in the halves against Fiji? Will Genia and Quade Cooper with Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps starting against Uruguay. Australia needs Genia to find his mojo because he makes the Wallabies so much better.
Surprise packets? Fiji are well coached and have the great asset of pace while Japan has a strong base at the scrum and will field the country’s most experienced-ever side.
How will Michael Cheika’s inexperience work for him and against him? The Wallabies now mirror the Cheika personality...no fear, brash, a touch of arrogance, old Aussie values. Inexperience in how to handle referees may bring a boiling point. Fitness and toughness are both much better under his direction.
Where do you see X-factor from the big nations? England winger Jonny May is seriously quick, big and has scored a sensational try against the All Blacks. Kiwi Nehe Milner-Skudder has touch football feet and is very hard to tackle. Israel Folau is the best kick-returner in world rugby.
The biggest issues that could trip the Aussies? Inconsistency, the scrum and goalkicking.
Three lesser known players to light it up? Backrower Hendrik Tui (Japan) with his incredible running skills, fullback Chris Wyles (USA) and halfback Nikola Matawalu (Fiji) with his footwork and speed.
How big is England’s home turf advantage? Massive but it’s a young team with inexperienced coaches and they may feel the pressure.
Are there chinks in New Zealand’s armour? The weak link is now prop Tony Woodcock, who is well past his best and missing tackles. Also, the consistency of older players Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.
What is the greatest World Cup inequality to fix? It’s always the scheduling because we (Japan) play South Africa and Scotland in four days.
Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Japan coach Eddie Jones tips All Blacks, says Wallabies can reach final
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