Japan can reach the last eight of the Rugby World Cup in 2019 on home soil, says former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones, as long as they don't try to mimic other styles but develop their own attacking brand of rugby.
'They will need to develop an attacking style of play that matches their physical capabilities. If they play fast, attacking rugby, with high skill and high fitness, they can reach the quarter-finals at the 2019 World Cup,' said Jones, who is in Hong Kong on a private visit.
Among the key aims in its 'mission' statement announced this month, the Japan Rugby Football Union said the target was to reach the last eight of the 2019 World Cup. The national side have represented Asia at all previous World Cups but have never progressed beyond the pool stages.
However, they are favourites once again to clinch the automatic 2011 World Cup berth given to the winners of the ongoing HSBC Asian Five Nations Top Five competition. If they emerge winners, Japan will be drawn with hosts New Zealand, France, Tonga and Canada in pool A at next year's tournament. While winning a couple of pool games is not out of the question, Jones, who is half-Japanese, believes countries like Japan are still some time away from challenging the more established nations.
'World rugby needs the countries outside the established order to challenge for a top six or eight spot,' said Jones, who coached Australia to the final of the 2003 World Cup, which they lost to England.
During the course of his stay here, Jones will be involved with the Sandy Bay mini-rugby club this morning, meet Hong Kong head coach Dai Rees and take part in a Q&A with former Scotland coach Frank Hadden tomorrow, as well as be involved in a clinic with the Australian International School on Tuesday.