Australia Faces Former Coach Eddie Jones in Tokyo Rugby Test

The Wallabies are set to face their former coach Eddie Jones, now leading Japan's Brave Blossoms, in a highly charged match that carries emotional weight due to Jones's controversial exit from Australian rugby following the 2023 World Cup. Jones resigned after a disappointing campaign that ended with Australia exiting at the pool stage, having won only two of nine tests in his second stint. Since then, Joe Schmidt has taken over as Wallabies coach, focusing on rebuilding and mental toughness, while forbidding any talk of revenge against Jones. Jones, who quickly became Japan's coach after leaving Australia, has expressed confidence in his new team and relishes the chance to beat his home country, highlighting perceived weaknesses in Australia's ability to handle pressure. The match symbolizes more than just a game for Wallabies fans, who view it as an opportunity to cleanse the wounds left by Jones's tenure and prove their progress under Schmidt's leadership. Both sides are aware of the high stakes, with Japan aiming to extend their unbeaten record against Australia and the Wallabies seeking to move past a painful chapter in their history.