Japan, a second-tier nation, is currently ranked 15th in the world.

Jones has some clear views on what needs to be done to ensure that aim is met. They center on an increased professionalism in the way the team prepares, a shift in the players’ mind-set and a focus on a style of play that suits the size of Japanese players.

Since taking charge in April 2012, Jones has reduced the number of overseas-born players on the national team and has worked to marry the Japanese culture with that required in modern international rugby.

In Japan, the culture of respect, particularly for elders, and loyalty means younger players typically are uncomfortable questioning those higher than they are in the hierarchy. But professional rugby, particularly at the international level, requires every player to have input, whether a 100-test veteran or a rookie. It is something the All Blacks, the most successful international team in world rugby, do well, and it shows in their results.

There has also been a shift in mind-set from the players, who previously focused on doing well in Japan’s domestic competition, where each club is owned and run by a company, such as Toshiba or Honda. Loyalty means players rarely move between clubs, and most will work for those companies during or after their rugby careers.

But players are now also showing greater ambition for success on the international stage, too.

Alama Ieremia has certainly seen an improvement in Japan under Jones, who is his coaching mentor. Ieremia, who played 30 tests for New Zealand, played in Japan’s Top League with the Suntory Sungoliaths for several years, a club that Jones coached and still has strong ties with. Ieremia coaches in New Zealand and has been the assistant coach at the Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise since 2011.