VIDEO: Has Japan outgrown its lightweight tag? Flannery believes so

KENSINGTON, LONDON: Eddie Jones has moulded Japan into a more all-round side, and South Africa’s defence coach Jerry Flannery has taken notice.

Last weekend, the Brave Blossoms came frighteningly close to beating the Wallabies when Jones’ gutsy charges just fell short, 15-19 in Tokyo.

Japan showed heart and defiance in awful conditions, with standout performances in defeat.

The question is, can Japan finally start running with the big dogs?

Hosting the 2019 World Cup was a national statement. Japan reached the quarterfinals for the first time, beating Ireland and Scotland.

That run cemented their reputation as serious contenders and helped grow the game domestically and across Asia.

According to Flannery, Japan has improved under Jones and is not a one-dimensional team anymore. The team once known for heart over heft, now marries courage with real power on defence.

“Looking at the game, I think Japan showed a lot of resilience in the first half despite the yellow cards, and they showed how well they can defend against one of the best sides,” Flannery told Rugby365 at their team hotel in Kensington, London on Monday.

“Australia scored six tries against us in the first game of the Rugby Championship.

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“So we are aware that they’re not just a really good attacking side; they can defend really good as well.

“In the last quarter of the second half, they came into the game, and they were probably disappointed that they didn’t win.

“They are looking to see if they can rewrite history by beating the Springboks. So we are aware of their mindset and are trying to be as prepared as we can be,” the defence coach said.

Commenting on the five-week tour scheduled for the Springboks, Flannery agreed that it was a long tour, but welcomed it.

“The five-week tour is a great challenge for the Springboks,” he said, adding: “I think you have a bit more runway from the Rugby Championship coming into it because there’s always a prep week before you play the game.

“For us to have opponents week-on-week is a good challenge.

“That’s how the World Cup operates as well. It’s short turn-arounds and the ability to keep bringing the energy is going to be good for us.”

Springbok flanker Kwagga Smit also said it was a long tour ahead, but predicted that Japan, Italy, and Wales should not be frowned upon.

While South Africa won the series 2-0 against Italy earlier in the year, the Azzuri put up a good fight in the second half of the first match, but couldn’t overturn South Africa’s strong start.

In the second match, South Africa’s performance was more complete and dominant.

“Five games on tour is a lot for us as a squad to be on form every weekend.

“I think all the Test matches are going to be hard, not just France and Ireland; from the first one to the last, they’re going to be big matches.

“It’s great, that’s where we want to measure ourselves,” the flanker stated.