Japan are counting on ‘chop tackle’ to nullify brawn of bigger Springboks

Japan have perfected the art of the "chop tackle" to counter heavyweight opponents like South Africa at the Rugby World Cup, according to defence coach Leigh Jones.

The Springboks will be the formidable first obstacle tomorrow in Brighton when Japan start their campaign to prove they are worthy hosts of the 2019 World Cup.

Japan's less imposing stature has often been a handicap in past tournaments and the likes of South Africa prop Tendai "the Beast" Mtawarira will pose a new threat in the pool B game in Brighton.

But Jones said Japan's players can counter the brawn with smart "chop" tackles where the defender throws his arms around an advancing player's legs.

"I've said this to the guys, but I think Japan players are the best chop tacklers in the world. They have to be, to cope with the size of the other teams," said Jones, a former coach of the Hong Kong rubgy side who is now a key assistant to Japan's head coach Eddie Jones. "We are the best chop team in the world."

South Africa's coach Heyneke Meyer has acknowledged the awkward threat posed by the Japanese fifteen.

"We play against the big teams from the southern and northern hemisphere quite often and with them it's mostly a case of you know what to expect," said Meyer.