Japan's head coach, Eddie Jones, has revealed an unusual coaching method involving videos of geese flying in formation to instill better support play in his team. The Australian coach aims to improve his side's cohesion ahead of their second Test match against Australia.
Jones explained that the formation of geese serves as a metaphor for the rugby team's structure. "The head of the flock is like the ball-carrier," Jones said. "The ball carrier is king, and then everyone else has got to follow after that." He elaborated that just as geese fly thousands of miles in formation, following the lead goose, support players in rugby must respond to the actions of the ball-carrier.
This insight comes as Japan prepares for its second Test against Australia in Townsville. The team suffered a narrow 35-32 defeat in the first match in Osaka last weekend. Australia secured that victory under new head coach Les Kiss, who took over from Joe Schmidt earlier this year. The Wallabies overcame a significant challenge, including an early red card for player Miles Amatosero, to clinch the win.
Following the first-Test loss, Jones has made five changes to the Japan squad for the upcoming match. Notable inclusions are university student Yoshitaka Yazaki on the wing and Shunsuke Uenobo earning his first start at center. Jones acknowledged that the team's support play was not as sharp as desired in the opening game, prompting his unique approach.
"We're very disappointed to lose the last game, so the most important thing now is how we take on this game," Jones stated. "We have set ourselves the task of really taking it to Australia this week."