Eddie Jones Predicts Irish Rugby Turnaround, But Immortality Awaits Following Big Test Against Japan
Japan’s Eddie Jones Sees Ireland’s Resurgence, Despite Recent Stumbles
In his new book, “Touching Distance,” Japan head coach Eddie Jones shares an intriguing prediction about Irish rugby, comparing the coaching tenures of Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell. Jones, paraphrasing former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, stated, “Whatever you’re good at is what gets you the job, and you invariably get sacked for that same thing.
” He went on to say, “Joe brought detail, he brought precision… And like everything, it runs its race… Now, Andy comes in and he’s a bit freer, and he’ll end up getting sacked for that mate. I’m telling you.
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Jones later walked back these comments, predicting that Farrell would guide Ireland through their current “sticky period” and position them as World Cup contenders in 2027.
Ireland v Japan: A Clash of Titans Awaits at Aviva Stadium
Ireland will face Japan today at 12:40 PM (RTE2 and RTÉ Player). The encounter marks a chance for the Irish to shake off their recent underperformance ahead of crucial encounters with Australia and South Africa.
Jones’ Japan, meanwhile, faces a hill to climb, with only eight wins in 19 games since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Despite their World Cup heroics in 2015 and 2019, the Brave Blossoms arrive in Dublin on the back of a three-game losing streak, having recently suffered a 61-7 drubbing by South Africa.
Ireland: Team News and Talking Points
- Key Changes: Andy Farrell has ringed changes, resting several big names and handing debuts to Munster’s Tom Farrell and Craig Casey. Tom Farrell, aged 32, becomes the oldest Irish back to debut since James Downey in 2013.
- Injury Crisis: Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose are absent due to injury, adding to the Irish coaching staff’s selection headache.
Japan: Team News and Talking Points
- Team Changes: Eddie Jones has made three changes to his matchday squad, bringing in Naoto Saito, Epineri Uluiviti, and Faulua Makisi.
- World Cup Hero Misses Out: Michal Leitch (37) is the only survivor from Japan’s 2019 World Cup victory over Ireland but doesn’t make the starting XV.
Verdict: Ireland to Rout Japan
Given Ireland’s powerful team on paper and Japan’s recent struggles, it’s hard to see anything but an Irish victory. The hosts should come out on top by more than 30 points.
– Eddie Jones, Japanese rugby coach
Did you know? Eddie Jones predicted Ireland’s Schmidt era would ‘run its race’ in his book, Touching Distance. He later said Farrell would lead Ireland through their current sticky period.
Catch Ireland v Japan today at 12:40 PM on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra.
FAQs
- Who are the coaches for Ireland and Japan?
- Andy Farrell is the coach for Ireland, while Eddie Jones leads Japan.
- What is the predicted score for the match?
- An Irish victory by more than 30 points.
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