Overview
- Japan narrowly lost to Australia 35-32 in the first Test in Osaka and Jones has named five changes to his starting XV for the second Test in Townsville.
- Jones retained young fly-half Ryunosuke Ito and said Ito is developing well and adapting his game after only a handful of caps.
- New starters include Waseda student Yoshitaka Yazaki on the right wing in a second full-back role, Shunsuke Uenobo’s first start at centre, Tiennan Costley in the back row and Harry Hockings returning at lock.
- Jones has shown players videos of geese to teach support play, explaining the head of the flock represents the ball-carrier and teammates must follow and respond to its moves.
- Australia won the opening match despite an early red card to Miles Amatosero, and that upgraded card plus earlier welfare questions remain live disciplinary issues to watch during the series.