The Blossoming
Inside Jamie Joseph’s Japan camp ahead of today’s showdown with the Boks
Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown have hogged the headlines during Japan’s remarkable World Cup run on home soil, but there’s another Kiwi driving a key aspect of their game.
Defence coach Scott Hansen has sensed something potentially special brewing in Japan since his move there a couple of years ago.
The former Canterbury defence coach, who will return home to Christchurch after the World Cup to work for the Crusaders as an assistant coach, had been working under current Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger at the Leicester Tigers before accepting a role at the Kobelco Steelers in 2017.
Two years had passed since Japan rocked South Africa at the 2015 World Cup and the rise of the sport was clear to Hansen, who assisted the Sunwolves the past two Super Rugby seasons.
‘‘I have noticed growth every year. We have some fantastic coaches and players here in Japan who are committed to growing the game,’’ Hansen told Stuff.
‘‘At Kobe, we had Daniel Carter and Andy Ellis and Adam Ashley-Cooper, and every day they turned up wanting to get better and grow the team. Add these men into any environment and those around them will grow as people and players. That’s an example at one club, that’s happening at most here.’’
Instructed by head coach Joseph to take charge of their defence for what’s been a dream tournament for the hosts, Hansen is in his first year working with the national side.
Having already shocked Ireland 19-12 in their second pool match, Japan’s pulsating quarterfinal-clinching 28-21 win over Scotland last weekend attracted 53.7 million Japanese television viewers.
It was pandemonium when the fulltime whistle went in Yokohama.
‘‘I don’t think anyone could really prepare for the amazing support, Japan is a proud country and are unbelievably passionate about their teams doing well,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘We live in a bit of a bubble, going from hotels to trainings and games, but last weekend’s game, for example, was the most
watched television event in Japan’s sporting history, I’ve been told.’’
Hansen gives some credit for Japan’s rise to Super Rugby, pointing out the Sunwolves helped players understand what’s required to play in a professional competition at the highest level every week.
With head coach Tony Brown tied up with the national team, it was Hansen who was in charge of the Sunwolves when they stuffed the Chiefs in Hamilton earlier this year.
‘‘As coaches and players, we learned a lot from that [Super Rugby]. We had some tough lessons but the plan was always focused to this Rugby World Cup and beyond.
‘‘Unfortunately, with the Sunwolves being removed from Super Rugby [from 2021] the challenge for continued growth will need to be adjusted.’’
When Japan’s humdinger quarterfinal against South Africa was confirmed last week, fans and pundits wasted no time digging up the Brave Blossoms’ 34-32 upset of the Boks in Brighton four years ago.
However, like Joseph this week claimed, Hansen said the team had not even mentioned it.
‘‘All World
Cup we have committed our focus to grow our game and learn from our mistakes, going into this weekend’s quarterfinal against South Africa is no different.
‘‘To be honest, this week is about doing less and trusting the players and the work that has been done. We respect everyone we play but always focus on our game.’’
For Hansen, that’s meant making tackle technique a focal point, given World Rugby’s hardline stance on any contact to the head.
Seven red cards – more than the previous four World Cups combined – and 25 yellow cards have already been flashed in Japan, and chances are teams are going to get burnt by them in the sudden-death matches.
Japan have not had a player spend time in the sinbin through four games.
‘‘We have driven tackle detail and technique very hard, these boys have been absolutely amazing in responding to the challenges we have put in front of them at training,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘Every session I work with players on their tackle technique, some enjoy tackling more than others, but all understand in this team that our defence is about them making their tackles.’’
Regardless what happens tonight in Tokyo, Hansen is sure to soak up every last moment of his time in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Working with Joseph and Brown had been invaluable. Hansen particularly trumpeted Joseph’s leadership, while attack maestro Browny ‘‘sees opportunity everywhere in the game to attack, and every week adds a new dimension to our game’’.
When Japan’s tournament ends, Hansen, wife Catherine and their family will pack their bags and return to the Garden City, where Hansen will be reunited with Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson and forwards coach Jason Ryan.
Having worked together with Canterbury in 2013 and 2014, Hansen was in July announced as now Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar’s replacement.
Mooar predominantly worked with the inside backs the past three years, and was charged with leading the team’s attack, strategy and game planning.
‘‘I’m looking forward to sitting down and seeing where we can take the Crusaders game and skill sets . . . coming into a new environment means I will focus on learning and listening first, then I can lead,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘We had some tough lessons but the plan was always focused to this Rugby World Cup and beyond.’’