Boks won’t underestimate Japan

Fourie du Preez expects Japan coach Eddie Jones to 'pull out a few tricks' for Saturday's World Cup match in Brighton.

The Bok scrumhalf played under Jones when the Australian was the Springboks' technical adviser at the 2007 World Cup and head coach at Japanese club Suntory.

While the Brave Blossoms are ranked 13th in the world, and should be no match for the No 3-ranked Boks, Du Preez insisted they would not underestimate them.

'The perception is that we will run over them but it will be physical and a different kind of battle,' he said. 'We won't be complacent. Eddie has been a big influence on my career and he will pull out a few tricks. That's the nature of the man.'

Another Bok who has experienced Japanese club rugby with Suntory is Schalk Burger.

'Japan will give us a different challenge,' he said. 'They have a very low scrum, while the scrum is one of our strongest suits. That's an area we will target. I'll tell you on Sunday what their scrum is like.

'The Japanese are also adept at the chop tackle below the knees. That's something we're not too familiar with and they play the game at a very high tempo. We'll have to get used to the speed. We won't underestimate them. They're a tough bunch of competitors and Eddie Jones is one of the best coaches in the world.'

Photo: Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images

Post by