Japan’s hard lessons in the Pacific Nations Cup
Japan head coach Eddie Jones cut a reflective figure after another Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup loss to Fiji. “You’ve got another scar at the back of your head that you feel at 1:30 in the morning,” he admitted — a stark encapsulation of what close defeats do to coaches and teams striving to climb.
Steps forward amid frustration
Despite the result, Jones believes the Brave Blossoms have taken “some big steps forward,” with an eye on building robustness across 80 minutes. Execution under pressure, defensive sequencing, and decision-making in the final quarter remain key refinements.
What is a ‘Test match animal’?
Jones spoke about identifying players wired for international intensity — the ones who relish the contest when it gets chaotic and costly. These “Test match animals” are not always the flashiest performers, but the ones who thrive on collisions, clarity, and repeat efforts when the game tilts.
Japan’s path under Jones will be defined by how quickly those instincts harden across the squad — and how resiliently they turn scars into steel.
