Eddie Jones to replace John Kirwan?!?

[Gnostic]

Maybe not. Jones is no dumb-arse, he's got good analytical ability and likes to set down good structures. It will depend on how that works culturally. Maybe the players will respond to Eddie's style and get the confidence in their game to take their team to the next level. How the coach fits into the team psyche is an underated requirement for success. I'm not close enough to the situation to hazard a guess but there's no guarantee that his lack of success with Australia will translate directly across to the Japanese national team.

I was happy to see Jones leave the Wallabies. I detested his League like Rugby tactics. Havin read Jones' comments regarding his aims with the Japanese squad I think he has learnt and could do very well for them. The Japanese will not likely ever have a forward pack that can scrummage with the top sides or dominate the lineout but I think at all other facets of play they have the skill set to be able to play and play well. I think Jones learnt from his mistakes with the Wallabies and frankly I would rather have him coaching than Deans, at least his sides never suffered from the embarassing captiulations that we have seen of recent times and never once could you say the team went out under prepared or lacking will.

 

[Newter]

It was good to hear Eddie's high expectations in the papers today. He says he wants Japan to start beating the likes of Wales and Scotland by 2015. I admit, that is an exciting thought. Good on him.

 

[I like to watch]

I would rather have him coaching than Deans, at least his sides never suffered from the embarassing captiulations that we have seen of recent times and never once could you say the team went out under prepared or lacking will.

A lack of will from a Test player is not a reflection of the coach. They are not worthy to wear he jumper.
I remember a quote from the late great Jack Gibson, once they have been hit hard they forget whatever the coach said. Either they want to compete or they don't.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

I think its a bit much to suggest that these blokes dont have the will - I'd be very surprised if they dont all try their best when they get out there - its a coaching and execution issue, I hope.

 

[Newter]

A lack of will from a Test player is not a reflection of the coach. They are not worthy to wear he jumper.
I remember a quote from the late great Jack Gibson, once they have been hit hard they forget whatever the coach said. Either they want to compete or they don't.

Love the Jack Gibson quotes. Great man.

 

[Gnostic]

I think its a bit much to suggest that these blokes dont have the will - I'd be very surprised if they dont all try their best when they get out there - its a coaching and execution issue, I hope.

There was a certain test in NZ where the team was accused of laying down.

If you prepare a group for any form of competition from sport to battle and the players do not have clear instruction or structure to fall back on they can appear to fall apart or fail to react to their opponents. How many times have we seen teams behind the goal posts with heads down or one or two players standing to one side looking angry or depressed. I am not saying that they consciously give up, very few who get to the elite levels of sport will do a Lay Down Sally, but the group's will can be broken and they will play as individuals and will try too hard, push passes etc etc. (eg France last year V Wallabies, England 1998 V Wallabies)

This all comes back to preparation, from selection, fitness, tactics, basic skills practice, it is a complete picture that if the majority of the boxes are ticked a team can perform. We have never seen a performance like that from the Wallabies under Deans.

 

[p.Tah]

Just watched Japan vs. HK in the Asia 5N. Eddie has Japan playing a very structure yet fast game. Very entertaining game. One of the props is an ex-Sumo wrestler.

 

[Jiggles]

I've spent a fair bit of time in China and HK this year p.Tah, and I have watched a fair bit of the Premiership in HK and got to see the HK v Korea Asian 5N game last week. The Korean's really impressed me in their match against HK, which is a predominantly expat team. they are physical up front, and have good pace out the back. Korea definately has the potential to get up to the standard of Japan thats for sure.

HK, while made up of mostly long term expats, has a pretty exciting young half back named Cado Lee. I think he could be very good if he got some exposure in the Japanese League or even club rugby in Australia. HK players are probably at the level of your average Hospital Cup/Shute Shield player in Australia. Most move to HK as professionals (banking, law, teaching etc.), and are handy players so join one of the big clubs (Kowloon, Football Club, Cricket Club, Valley etc.) for the social/networking benefits.

 

[Aussie D]

or you join a great club like the Typhoons to go on tour with the Tequila Mockingbirds! (not that my wife ever gave me leave to tour, but it was great playing for the 'phoons)