The Japan team adopted an unusual formation before executing several sprints right before kick-off, leaving the England team standing and waiting.
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This strategy seemed effective as the Brave Blossoms appeared much sharper in the initial moments of the game.
One fan commented, “Mind games from Eddie Jones. All England can do is watch.”
Another added, “I’ve never seen a team do sprints just before kick-off. Fair play though, they’ve started as the better team.”
A third fan remarked, “Strange to see sprinting seconds before a game. I’d be exhausted. Eddie Jones is always seeking marginal gains.”
Favourites to replace Steve Borthwick:
Here, we explore the current odds on who might succeed Borthwick as the next England head coach.
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD – 50/1
Woodward is the World Cup winning Head Coach who led England’s rugby players to World Cup glory in Australia in 2003.
A former England International and British & Irish Lion himself, prior to his full time coaching career Clive established a successful business career working for nine years with Xerox in the UK and Australia before establishing his own small finance and leasing company.
During Clive’s tenure as Head Coach England moved from 6th in the world to being the number one ranked team, winning every trophy an England team can win.
RICHARD COCKERILL – 30/1
Currently in charge of Georgia, he was part of the England coaching staff up until the end of the 2023 Six Nations.
GRAHAM ROWNTREE – 20/1
Currently the Munster head coach.
ROB BAXTER – 18/1
Although Baxter joined the England coaching team for the summer tour to Argentina and Uruguay in March 2013, he has no other experience outside of Exeter.
“I would be happy to have a chat about what the role is, how they see it working and what their plans and ambitions are,” Baxter said of the England job.
“Unless you know what it is, it’s hard to say yes or no to anything. At the same time, I’m not looking for another job! I’m very happy here,” he added.
