Japan aim to prove Springbok triumph was no ‘fluke’

AFP: Japan coach Eddie Jones said his giantkillers are ready to run Scotland “off their feet” in their World Cup clash Wednesday because they are fitter.

Jones insisted his side, who beat South Africa in the biggest upset in World Cup history on Saturday, are ready to prove the feat was “no fluke.”

Scotland have won all of the previous four games between the two nations.

But the Japan master tactician said research had shown the Pool B rivals, who will be playing their first game in the tournament, get all their points in the first half.

Scotland “get outscored consistently in the second half.

“We know we are a fit team. If we can stick with them in the first 30 minutes and stay in the game until half time then we will win the game because we will run them off their feet.”

Japan will have only four days between their two matches. But asked if the Brave Blossoms are fitter than Scotland, he answered: “Definitely. Definitely.” Jones has made six changes to the team that started the amazing game in Brighton and beat the two-time world champions 34-32.

“Physically we are pretty good. Obviously there’s a few knocks and bruises as you do when you play the Springboks,” said the 55-year-old coach. Mentally, the team are “a little bit tired.”

Japan have leapfrogged Scotland to take 11th place in the world rankings. But Jones said there would be no favourite when the game starts at Gloucester’s 16,500 capacity Kingsholm stadium.