Jones warns England of 'violent' New Zealand after shock Wales loss
REACTION: Japan coach Eddie Jones has told England to expect a “violent” New Zealand at Twickenham next week, with the All Blacks’ reeling from their first loss to Wales in 73 years on Saturday.
The Brave Blossoms were thrashed 78-15 at Twickenham on Saturday, with Gloucester wing Will Joseph, winning his second cap four years after then England boss Jones gave him a Test debut, running in five of the hosts eventual 13 tries.
England posted both their highest score and record-winning margin against Japan, surpassing a 60-7 success at the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
But the result of the day had come hours earlier in Cardiff, with Wales beating New Zealand 35-28 to end a run of 34 consecutive defeats by the All Blacks dating back to 1953.
*READ: Magnificent Wales shock All Blacks in Cardiff thriller
“They’re violent [after losing],” former Australia coach Jones told reporters.
“Very violent, very physical. They’ll be massively disappointed with their performance,” the 66-year-old added.
Japan had launched their November Nations Championship campaign with a narrow 21-28 loss to Wales in Cardiff last weekend.
But any hope that performance, or indeed Wales’s defeat of New Zealand, would inspire Japan to a first win over England at the seventh time of asking was obliterated in a first half at Twickenham.
Japan never recovered from going down to 14 men following an early yellow card, upgraded to a 20-minute red, for lock Harry Hockings.
“I’m massively pleased for Wales,” said Jones.
“They gave us a lot of optimism going into this game because we were head to head with Wales and were not far away.
“But, it was great for Wales, and New Zealand next week will be back to their old selves: hard, tough and physical around the breakdown.”
‘Step-up’
England captain Maro Itoje insisted his side would be ready for the challenge of facing the All Blacks.
“Obviously they’re going to want a response and we want to show where this team is going,” said the Saracens lock.
“They’re right up there in the toughest teams to play. So it’s going to be a huge step up, but I think it’s a step up this team is ready for.”
England coach Steve Borthwick revealed the injured trio of George Furbank, Seb Atkinson and Ollie Chessum were “progressing well” for the showpiece match with New Zealand.
But wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will not be available after being injured in last week’s win over Australia, leaving the door open for Joseph to start against the All Blacks.
“Will took those opportunities really, really well,” said Borthwick.
“The point of difference he has is his carry. His pace and acceleration and footwork is a real asset.
“I wanted the ball in his hands as much as possible and that’s exactly what happened.”
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