Japan head coach Eddie Jones is aiming to exploit Wales’ ongoing home woes when the two nations meet at the Principality Stadium this Saturday. The former Australia and England boss believes Wales’ two-year winless streak at home could serve as a psychological burden on Steve Tandy’s side, giving Japan an opportunity to secure a landmark away victory.
Wales have suffered a record 10 consecutive defeats at the Principality Stadium, with their last home win coming against England in a World Cup warm-up match in August 2023. Their struggles continued last weekend with a heavy 52-28 defeat to Argentina, leaving Japan as the most realistic chance for a November home victory before visits from rugby powerhouses New Zealand and South Africa later this month.
“The pressure of not winning for two years at home will be felt by [Wales],” Jones said. “Sometimes that can be an advantage and sometimes it can be a burden. It’s our job to make sure it’s a burden.”
The Principality Stadium Factor
Jones, who has visited the Principality Stadium multiple times as an opposing coach, recognizes its unique atmosphere. He has won two of six tests in Cardiff across his stints with England and Australia.
“It is one of the great stadiums in the world,” Jones said. “How close the stadium is to the city is one of the ground’s attractions. Spectators have a good time, wander into the stadium, and are full of life and vigour.”
For Saturday’s clash, the roof will be closed, intensifying the stadium atmosphere. Jones highlighted the learning experience this provides for Japan’s younger players.
“For our young team, we’re looking forward to playing there, experiencing that environment, and at times, hostility of the crowd. They are the games you want to play in, to learn how to cope and win in those situations.”
Jones also noted that Wales will aim to leverage home-field advantage, but Japan is ready to adapt to the conditions.
“At home you play to your conditions and when you are away, you have to adapt,” he said.
Japan Seek Tier-One Away Breakthrough
Japan have previously beaten Wales twice, both under Jones’ guidance in 2013 and 2025, but have never won in Wales, losing each of their five previous visits by an average margin of 51 points. A win this weekend would mark a major milestone for the Brave Blossoms, representing only their second tier-one away victory in the professional era since the shock 2015 World Cup win over South Africa in Brighton.
Jones emphasized the growth of his squad:
“We had a very young team last year. This is our second year and you can see more consistency. We’re starting to get a good base of players and the team is developing its own chemistry and cohesion. Wales presents that opportunity on Saturday.”
Recent Rivalry and Tactical Insights
This upcoming fixture effectively acts as an unofficial decider for 2025, following the 1-1 summer series between the two sides. Wales are ranked 12th in the world, with Japan just one spot below. Wales’ only win in their last 20 Tests was a 31-22 victory against Japan in July in Kobe, which ended an 18-game losing streak.
Jones noted that while they have faced Wales multiple times this year, subtle tactical changes under new head coach Steve Tandy could influence the game.
“It is our third game against them this year so we know each other pretty well. The attack philosophy looks the same because the coach has not changed, but Steve is known for the way his team defends. He likes a connected defence, likes to choke in the tackle, so that will be different from the summer.”
Japan have experienced defeats against Australia, South Africa, and Ireland during the autumn internationals but hope to build momentum ahead of Wales and their final tour game against Georgia in Tbilisi on 22 November.
“Wales is our fourth game of this tour and I feel as if each week we are getting better,” Jones said. “We are in a good spot to play Wales.”
Leave a Reply