Eddie Jones' Japan humbled by Italy in Sapporo

Eddie Jones’ appalling run of results as head coach shows no sign of stopping after his Japan side were roundly walloped 42-14 by Italy at the at Sapporo Dome.

Tries for Ange Capuozzo, Ross Vintcent, Alessandro Garbisi, Andrea Zambonin and Martin Page-Relo heaped misery on the hosts in what was a one-sided affair for the most part.

Japan hit back through a quickly taken brace from Dylan Riley which came within the span of just two minutes either side of halftime, but it was the only bright spell for the Brave Blossoms, who were a distant second place to Gonzalo Quesada’s well-drilled Azzurri.

Portugal coach Simon Mannix reflects on the Test match against the Boks

Portugal coach Simon Mannix reflects on the Test match against the Boks

Indeed Jones is yet to win a match in his second stint as head coach of Japan, with home losses to Steve Borthwick’s England and Richard Cockerill’s Georgia already under the belt.

Eddie Jones’ poor start in Japan comes after he presided over Australia’s pool stage exit at last year’s Rugby World Cup – the Wallabies’ worst-ever run at the tournament. It was a dismal spell in Australia for the former England head coach, with the Wallabies managing just two wins from nine games under his watch, for a measly win percentage of just 22 per cent.

Jones now has just two wins from his last 13 matches as head coach for Japan, Australia and England, dating back to England’s 25-25 draw with the All Blacks in 2022.