Jones a bigger worry than the weather
The two-time world champions get their 2015 campaign underway against Jones' Brave Blossoms on Saturday, and Springbok assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher admitted they are expecting a few surprises from Jones' Japanese team.
This will be Jones' third World Cup campaign after taking Australia to the final in 2003 as head coach before acting as assistant coach to Jake White when the Springboks claimed their second title in 2007.
The reportedly Stormers-bound coach took over the Japan side after the 2011 World Cup, with the stated ambition of making them a competitive force in England this year, and Loubscher is well aware of the tactical threat any team coach by Jones will pose.
"If you look at Eddie Jones he is a world class coach, he is astute and very experienced so we have to make sure we prepare for anything on the day," he said.
The Springbok backline coach was less concerned about the impact of the weather, and pointed out that they have shown an ability to adapt to adverse conditions over the last few years.
"I think we showed over the last few years that we can play in any conditions, we have the ability to adapt so I think on the weekend there won't be anything new for us and we are looking forward to the challenge," he said.
The watchword for the Springboks appears to be adaptability, as Loubscher stressed the need to react to whatever Japan and the weather throw at them in their opening game.
"If you look at the weather predictions for the last two days it was not supposed to rain but from our point of view we have to make sure we prepare for all weather conditions and hopefully over the next day or two we will get some sun.
"For us the focus is on winning the Test match first and the ability to adapt on the day is important," he said.
Loubscher did not want to be drawn on what the Springboks are expecting from Japan, and explained that the focus has been on their own game and ensuring that they are as well prepared as possible.
Coach Heyneke Meyer's team will be intent on making a statement in their opening game, but will have to show some versatility in what could be a tricky match to start their campaign.
"Japan is a different challenge ahead of us and from our point of view we just want to make sure that we prepare well and tick all the boxes.
"We want to focus on our own game and make sure that whatever chances we create we can finish those," he added.
