Heavy defeats are what Japan need - boss Jones

Coach Eddie Jones says a series of heavy defeats on their northern hemisphere tour were what his Japan team required.

England, France and New Zealand all beat the Brave Blossoms by 40 points or more as Jones' record since taking charge in January slipped to seven losses in 11 Tests.

"They're the sort of experiences this team needs," Jones said.

"I know you're all sitting there thinking we got beat by 50 points, but they're games we need to actually learn.

"The big challenge now is how quickly we can learn.

"There is a gap between where we are and where we need to be, and we just need to keep working."

Jones has brought in a host of new players after Japan failed to get out of their pool at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and is yet to be rewarded with results.

In autumn 2022, Japan had a similar autumn itinerary and lost by only seven and 18 points respectively against New Zealand and France. Their 52-13 defeat by England was a marginally better scoreline than the 59-14 thrashing they suffered on Sunday.

Jones, who has recruited a high-profile backroom coaching staff including former South Africa second row Victor Matfield and ex-All Black Owen Franks, has said he believes he can take Japan to a first World Cup semi-final at Australia 2027.

Jones has impressive pedigree at the tournament, having taken his native Australia to the final in 2003 and been a coaching advisor for the victorious South Africa team of 2007.

During his first stint with Japan, he oversaw an upset victory over South Africa in 2015, before he led England to the final in 2019.

However, his record was blemished at France 2023 where he was in charge of an Australia team that suffered the nation's first-ever pool stage exit.