Eddie Jones: If we win the scrum, we can beat South Africa
Japan coach Eddie Jones believes the Cherry Blossoms can beat South Africa in their opening World Cup match, if they win the scrum.
Jones is a big admirer of the French referee Jerome Garces, who will take charge of the Pool B opener at Brighton Community Stadium tomorrow morning (AEST time).
"The referee will play his part," Jones said on the eve of the clash.
"Because our guys don't speak English it can be at a disadvantage. We've got one of the best referees in the world tomorrow and hopefully he gives us a fair game, particularly in the scrummaging.
"We've got a scrum that can trouble the Springboks. I'm not worried about the Springboks' scrum. They are high and loose and we can scrum them tomorrow. But, hopefully, the referee will give us a chance to scrum them. The worst thing in the game would be is if the first scrum collapses then he tells us to get higher.
"Whereas the Springboks have to scrum at our height. As long as we're scrumming legally and have got our heads and