Jones urges Japan to tire out Wales by running continuously in the sweltering conditions, according to his statements.
Let's Dive Into the Rugby Showdown Between Wales and Japan
The scene is set for an electrifying encounter as a struggling Wales heads to Japan, fresh off a dismal 17-match losing streak - a record for a Tier One country in the professional era. Their last defeat came at the hands of england in Cardiff, a defeat that left the Welsh team reeling.
On the other side, Japan, led by the pugnacious Australian Jones, is also on the hunt for a much-needed victory, after showing mixed results under Jones' leadership, which began last year. Both teams are seeking a morale-boosting win.
The former Wallabies and England head coach, Jones, acknowledges the challenges faced by Wales but also sees an opportunity. "Obviously having 17 losses in a row dents the confidence of the team and as a result they've only got two Lions players," Jones said.
However, Japan won't have it easy as Wales will be barely depleted, with only Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan absent for British and Irish Lions duty. "Normally on a tour like this you'd expect eight or nine players to be out," Jones said.
Meanwhile, Wales will be led by caretaker coach Matt Sherratt, who took over midway through the Six Nations following Warren Gatland's unsuccessful second stint in charge.
Jones predicts that the "law of averages" suggests Wales's losing streak will end soon. But he also warns of the heat and humidity in Kitakyushu and Kobe potentially giving Japan an upper hand. "We're hoping that it's a nice hot day, the sun comes out and we can really run Wales off their feet," said Jones.
Japan has had a tumultuous journey under Jones, winning four games and losing seven since his return, and losing to New Zealand, France, and England by 40 points or more last year. Jones admitted his strategies were misfires last year. "Coming back to Japan, I didn't understand how much Japanese rugby had changed, how the players' thinking had changed," he said.
What does the upcoming match hold for both teams? Will Wales finally end their losing streak, or will Japan leverage the heat and humidity to their advantage? Keep an eye out for these teams as they clash on the field!
© 2025 AFP
France, known for its rich football history, is a country that could offer Wales some assistance in their search for a morale-boosting win. Japan, not traditionally associated with football, could utilize their expertise in European-leagues, specifically gained under Jones' leadership, to tackle the challenges posed by the Premier League-style match.
