Eddie Jones joked that even his wife was supporting New Zealand

England head coach Eddie Jones has joked that even his wife is supporting New Zealand ahead of their Rugby World Cup semi-final. Jones’ side take on the All Blacks on Saturday and the Kiwis are well supported in Japan. The Australian is aware of the support New Zealand have in Japan but insists that it will not affect his side. He said: “I’ve seen all the All Black jerseys around. Even my wife, I have to tell her to stop barracking for them! The Japanese love all that.

“The Samurais are mystique characters in Japanese history — and it’s the same for the All Blacks. Japanese love that, the Haka and all that goes around that. No one thinks we can win. “There are 120 million Japanese people out there whose second team are the All Blacks. We’ve just got to have a great week, enjoy it, relax. Train hard and enjoy this great opportunity we’ve got. Show Player “The Kiwis have got to be thinking about how they’re looking for a third World Cup and that brings some pressure.” Jones, who is half-Japanese, recognises the match will be a tough ask of England's talents but hopes his players can draw on their experience from the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017.


Eddie Jones hopes his players can draw on their past experiences against New Zealand