Eddie Jones claims Springboks have a ‘massive advantage’ over the rest of the world after Rassie Erasmus-inspired change
Japan head coach Eddie Jones and Springboks flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Eddie Jones believes that the number of South African players plying their trade in Japan is a significant help rather than a hindrance to the Springboks amid the continued overseas policy debate.
Unlike New Zealand, England and Ireland, who will not select individuals featuring abroad, South Africa have relaxed their rules to allow their Test stars to play anywhere.
Many, including two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit and the latest recipient of that award, Malcolm Marx, play in Japan Rugby League One and that has not impacted their game.
Shorter and less physical
While it is considered a lower standard of rugby than the top European competitions and Super Rugby, the season is relatively short and it is less physical.
“Look at how many South Africa players play in Japan and I actually think that they benefit from it because it’s a little bit less arduous on your bodies,” Jones said on the Rugby Unity podcast.
“They get good training time in, they get enough practice, they get plenty of touches on the ball, which is an advantage.
“League One is like an old Super Rugby, like Super Rugby 2000; plenty of ball movement, plenty of touches of the ball, it’s that hybrid rugby without the hard contest at the breakdown, so it’s a good league to play in.”
Many in South Africa believe that the scrapping of their overseas policy during the early part of Rassie Erasmus’ tenure played a significant role in their back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins.
Pressure has therefore increased on other nations to follow suit given the Springboks’ success, with both the RFU and NZ Rugby being urged to make a change.
Dave Rennie reignites debate
They have so far resisted those calls but new All Blacks boss Dave Rennie has already reignited that debate having watched Brodie Retallick star for his Kobelco Kobe Steelers outfit.
There are a number of New Zealanders plying their trade in Japan but their policy has prevented Rennie’s predecessors from picking them.
“For the best players, they get plenty of touches, practice, they have a good lifestyle – they don’t have to do any media or endorsements – and they get well paid. Their wives are happy, families are happy and come back refreshed,” Japan head coach Jones added.
“Look at Malcolm Marx, he’s just won World Rugby Player of the Year and he’s played here the last three years. It’s an advantage for them, a massive advantage.”
