Japan coach Eddie Jones has turned to an unlikely source for inspiration ahead of his team’s second Test against Australia — videos of geese flying in formation.
Jones believes the coordinated movement of geese provides a useful lesson for Japan’s players as they prepare to face the Wallabies in Townsville on Saturday.
Japan narrowly lost the opening match of the two-Test series 35-32 in Osaka last weekend, with Jones identifying weaknesses in the team’s support play as an area requiring immediate improvement.
To illustrate his message, the former England coach has been showing his players footage of geese flying together in formation.
“The reason we watch videos of geese is that the head of the flock is like the ball-carrier,” Jones explained.
He said the player carrying the ball must lead the attack, while teammates have a responsibility to quickly respond and provide support.
According to Jones, the formation used by geese over long distances demonstrates the importance of players working together and reacting to the movements of the ball-carrier.
“The ball carrier is king, and then everyone else has got to follow after that,” he said.
Jones hopes the unusual coaching method will help Japan become more effective in attack when they meet Australia again.
Japan have made five changes to the team for Saturday’s Test, including the selection of university student Yoshitaka Yazaki on the wing and Shunsuke Uenobo’s first start at centre.
Australia secured victory in the opening encounter despite having Miles Amatosero sent off early in the match, handing new Wallabies coach Les Kiss his first win since taking charge earlier this year.
Jones said Japan were disappointed by the narrow defeat but were determined to respond strongly in the second Test.
“We’ve set ourselves the task of really taking it to Australia this week,” he said.
“We’re very disappointed to lose the last game, so the most important thing now is how we take on this game.”
With Japan seeking to level the series, Jones will be hoping his flock follows his game plan as closely as the geese in his videos.
