England out to avoid embarrassment against Japan
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: England are readying themselves to face a Japan side with a point to prove when they face the 2019 World Cup hosts at Twickenham on Saturday.
The last edition of the global showpiece in 2015 saw Japan produce the great Rugby Union shock of all-time when they beat South Africa 34-32 in Brighton.
“I think they’ll be ready to play unbelievably hard to prove a point to World Rugby and that is that they’re ready to compete in tier one,” said England assistant coach Neal Hatley, with Japan looking to secure a place among rugby’s elite.
“They’ve put in some really good performances and this is the next step in their journey, so we’re expecting a tough game.”
England head coach Eddie Jones was in charge of the Brave Blossoms when they stunned the Springboks.
Hatley added: “We’re expecting lots of endeavour and effort from Japan.
“Eddie said in the week they’ve improved massively and believes that since the World Cup they have got better again. There’s obviously a very healthy respect for the Japanese players.”
Agence France-Presse
