Japan coach Eddie Jones upbeat ahead of World Cup
Saturday 12 September 2015 15:05, UK
Coach Eddie Jones claims his Japan squad are well prepared for the forthcoming World Cup.
Jones has been at the helm of Japan's national side since 2012 and was coach of his native Australia when they lost to England in the World Cup final 12 years ago.
However, Japan have won just one of 24 matches in Finals history but Jones believes everything is in place for a good campaign this time around.
Jones told Sky Sports News HQ: "We've prepared well, have some good players - Michael Leitch, Fumiaki Tanaka, hooker Shota Horie - so we have a good base.
"Like any World Cup you have to perform on the day, have a little bit of luck and if it happens we'll have a good World Cup."
And forwards coach Steve Borthwick is hoping they can perform well for those watching back in Japan.
Borthwick, the former England international, added: "We are trying to create a history for Japan rugby. Japan's record in the World Cup is not good, in fact it's been terrible.
"We want to have a good competition and need to inspire the next generation of rugby players back in Japan."
Japan open their Cup campaign in Pool B against South Africa in Brighton on Saturday, September 19.
