Jones puts the boot into Wales after Japan scare

LONDON: As if the criticism from their compatriots wasn’t enough, Wales had to suffer England coach Eddie Jones telling them they had been “complacent” in just beating Japan 33-30 in Cardiff.

Japan, who might have won at the Principality Stadium, looked to be coming away with at least a draw until replacement Wales flyhalf Sam Davies landed an 80th-minute drop-goal.

Jones, who coached Japan to a stunning upset win over South Africa at last year’s World Cup before taking on the England job, was scathing in his assessment of Wales’ performance against the Brave Blossoms.

“There will be some tears,” said the Australian.

“The Japanese cry when they win and they cry when they lose, so there will be plenty of tears.

“It’s a fantastic result for them and Wales were obviously complacent again.”

Jones added: “You look at the side Wales put out, they shouldn’t be winning by three points against a Japanese team who have seven or eight new caps.

“And those new caps are coming out of company rugby. You or I could play company rugby.

“It’s not a good result for Wales,” insisted Jones after seeing England make it 11 wins from as many Tests since he took over with a 58-15 thrashing of Fiji at Twickenham.

Wales are currently being coached by Rob Howley, with Warren Gatland on secondment to the British and Irish Lions for the 2017 tour of New Zealand.

As he watched the Japan match unfold, former Wales international Andy Powell delivered a withering Twitter verdict on Howley’s ability as a coach.

“Rob Howley’s man-management skills are very poor,” Powell said.

“We had so much impact on the bench today and what did we do? Nothing.

“We’ve got too many people in that coaching team who are not up to it.”