Rugby World Cup: Fired-up Eddie Jones says the sweltering heat in Japan is perfect for England’s Webb Ellis Cup hunt
JAPAN'S sweltering heat and humidity will create the perfect cauldron for England to win the World Cup according to fired-up boss Eddie Jones.
The England chief said his side can't wait to rip in after training in boiling temperatures in Miyazaki, where the 90 per cent humidity has made it feel hotter than 36 degrees most days.
And after speaking at his team's official arrival press conference on the island of Kyushu, half-Japanese Jones fired a warning shot to their tournament rivals.
He said: "We're looking forward to playing in the humidity.
"We've prepared for it and it's obviously a big part of rugby in Japan in September and October. We feel like playing in the humidity will give us an advantage.
"The players have adjusted really well. We're very positive and there's a good feeling in the camp.
"Everyone is ready to start work now. We've actually had to pull players back because they wanted to work harder.
"We've had a variety of activities on and off the field. The players feel like they've adapted to the environment as well as they can and now they're ready to begin the serious preparation for the World Cup.
“The first part of the World Cup is always dependent on your travel. We had a vigorous travel schedule, but we've settled in well now and have got used to the conditions.
"Players have been out and about a bit. We've deliberately had quite an easy training week, but we'll increase that starting today."
The Japanese love the All Blacks and that isn't going to change, but I'm sure we'll get our fair share of support.
Eddie Jones
Jones has been mobbed by locals thanks to his heroics with the Brave Blossoms in 2015.
And a day after equally idolised New Zealand boss Steve Hansen denied he was a a God here, Jones said: "The Japanese love the All Blacks and that isn't going to change, but I'm sure we'll get our fair share of support.
"Our sponsor Canterbury must be so happy about the number of English jerseys we've seen in Miyazaki, it's been quite incredible.
"We'll get some good support and it will make a difference because as you know Japanese rugby crowds can be quite quiet so if we've got a number of people supporting us, it could make a difference."
And as England get fired up in the same base where Jones plotted Japan's take down of South Africa four years ago, he added: "I think I can still see some of the sweat of the players lying on the ground!
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"It's a great place to train – great facilities, the weather's fantastic, the food's good and the people are friendly.
"It's nice to come back here. The players have a number of opportunities to do different things.
"They can play golf, they've been down the beech. It's a place where you can prepare to win and that's why we came here."
