Eddie Jones Says Japan Can Stun The Springboks At Wembley

Japan head coach Eddie Jones is at it again talking up another rugby miracle in the making. And this time, the Springboks are in his sights.

From Tokyo To Wembley

After a spirited showing against the Wallabies in Tokyo that nearly ended in a historic upset, Jones’ Brave Blossoms are brimming with belief. They fell just short in a 19-15 thriller, but their defensive stats a remarkable 96% tackle success from 218 attempts told the real story: this Japan side doesn’t back down.

Now, as they prepare to face South Africa at Wembley, Jones is convinced his team can turn belief into something bigger. “We’re going there thinking we’re going to win,” he told reporters. “South Africa are like everyone else if you put pressure on and get in their face, they make mistakes. Imagine beating South Africa at Wembley that would be iconic.”

The Ghost Of Brighton

For South Africans, the words Japan and upset still sting. It’s been ten years since the Brave Blossoms shocked the world with that 34-32 victory over the Boks in the 2015 Rugby World Cup a match forever remembered as the “Brighton Miracle.”

Since then, the Boks have reasserted themselves with two dominant wins in 2019, but Jones’ latest project is built differently. His new-look Japan team mixes flair with structure and a never-say-die attitude that’s starting to turn heads again.

A Team That Refuses To Quit

“What I’m super pleased about is that now we’re a team that stays in the fight,” Jones said after the Wallabies clash. “We could have won the game in the end, but we weren’t quite good enough.”

Japanese fans have flooded social media with support, praising the team’s grit and defensive courage. Many are daring to dream of another giant-killing moment this time under the Wembley floodlights.

Boks On Alert

For the Springboks, who continue to rebuild with fresh faces after another dominant season, the fixture is more than just a warm-up. It’s a reminder that history doesn’t forget especially when Eddie Jones is involved.

Whether Japan can pull off another miracle remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: if the Brave Blossoms bring the same fight they showed in Tokyo, the Boks will need to be on high alert in London.

Wembley could soon host another unforgettable chapter in rugby folklore and this time, South Africans will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself.

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{Source: SABC Sport}

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