Japan coach vows to tone down flair for Rugby World Cup 'challenge'

Japan thrilled fans with their swashbuckling style at the 2019 Rugby World Cup but head coach Jamie Joseph believes it would be "pointless" to play the same way at next year's tournament.

The Brave Blossoms beat Ireland and Scotland on home soil on their way to a historic first quarter-final appearance and won plaudits for their free-flowing rugby.

But Joseph says the sport has evolved since then to reward defensive teams and Japan's daredevil style will need to be adjusted before the World Cup kicks off in France a year from now.

"The teams who won Test matches in June and July are the best defensive sides, not necessarily the best attacking sides," said the New Zealander, who has been in charge since 2016.

"That's a trend that has been created by the way the game is refereed now and it's a trend that we've got to adjust to.

"It's going to be challenging but it's pointless trying to play the game of rugby that was successful for us in 2019 against stronger defensive teams."

Japan have been drawn in World Cup Pool D alongside England, Argentina, Chile and Samoa, and Joseph believes they can reach another quarter-final if they get their preparations right.

But the coach also says that his team are "a little bit behind" because of the pandemic and injuries.

He also cast an envious glance at Argentina's participation in the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Japan have no tournament to give them regular games against top-level opposition and the country's Super Rugby franchise, the Sunwolves, folded in 2020.

Joseph has tried to develop new players by picking oversized training squads but he conceded the situation was "not ideal", as preparations for the World Cup begin in earnest.

"We're a little bit