New look, same threat: Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones wary of Japan’s strength in depth
Tourists are without any of the players who featured in their 2015 World Cup campaign, when they defeated South Africa
There is not a single player from Japan’s 2015 World Cup squad stepping out at the Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday for their Asia Rugby Championship test against the hosts – but that is where the differences end for Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones.
Despite the new faces, Jones said he was expecting to face a side very much in the same mould as the Japan team who shocked the rugby world with a thrilling upset over South Africa last September.
There needs to be a lot of credit given there to the players themselves and to the coaching staff for almost producing a team that replicates Japan teams of old
“There needs to be a lot of credit given there to the players themselves and to the coaching staff for almost producing a team that replicates Japan teams of old, and certainly the Japan team of the World Cup,” Jones said.
“It’s very similar.”
Seventeen players made their national debut in Japan’s opening round 85-0 demolition of South Korea and the youthfulness of the team is driving them forward.
Japan captain Keisuke Uchida said the team are thriving on the opportunity at the top level and are looking to carry on where they left off last week.
