Eddie Jones: Japan coach hopes Wales are ‘laden’ with record at home

This match will serve as an unofficial decider for 2025 after a 1-1 draw in the summer series between the two countries. Wales is ranked 12th in the world and Japan is one place below it.

Wales have lost 19 of their last 20 Tests, with the only exception being a 31-22 win over Japan in July in Kobe in the second international.

That ended a record run of 18 consecutive international defeats and leveled the summer series after the home team won 24-19 in the opening match in Kitakyushu.

Wales have since appointed new coach Steve Tandy, and Jones expects some subtle differences.

“It’s our third game against them this year, so we know each other pretty well,” Jones said.

“The attacking philosophy seems to be the same for the coach [Matt Sherratt] It hasn’t changed, so they have some consistency.

“Steve is known for the way his team defends. He likes a connected defence, and he likes to choke down the tackle, so it will be different to the summer.”

Japan suffered defeats against Australia, South Africa and Ireland during its fall matches before traveling to Wales. They finished their year by facing Georgia in Tbilisi on 22 November.

“Wales is our fourth game on this tour and I feel as though we are getting better every week,” Jones said.

“We are in a good position to face Wales.”