Australia A’s 71–7 win over Japan A was more than a scoreline — it was a snapshot of where Japanese rugby stands right now.
In this episode, David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie dissect the match from Tokyo, joined by Eddie Jones, who explains what his players learned, how Japan must evolve, and why he’s focused on long-term growth over short-term wins. They also look ahead to this Saturday’s Japan v Australia test, asking what needs to change for the Brave Blossoms to compete.
From tactical breakdowns to cultural insights, this is an honest look at what went wrong, what went right, and how Japan’s identity is shaping its rugby future.
Also in this episode:
- Japan A vs Australia A — the key moments that defined the matchWhy Japan’s line-out and maul strategy failed under pressureEwen McKenzie’s player-by-player analysisEddie Jones on discipline, learning and adaptabilityJapan’s broadcast brilliance – lessons for world rugbyThe high-school and university system holding back Japan’s elite
PLUS: The “samurai spirit” driving Japanese rugby and how Eddie Jones plans to modernise it before facing the Wallabies this weekend in Tokyo.
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