Eddie Jones was left red-faced during a post-match interview with ITV after a quick comeback to a Wales jibe from the Japan head coach. The exchange came after the Brave Blossoms' 28-21 defeat to Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
Two tries from Josh Adams, along with scores by Archie Griffin and Louis Rees-Zammit, helped Steve Tandy's side secure a bonus-point victory at the start of their autumn campaign. However, their opening match of the second Nations Championship block was not plain sailing, with countless errors keeping Japan in the match and the visitors left to rue a squandered opportunity for a first win in Cardiff.
Jones questions referee decisions
Afterwards, Jones interrupted part of his post-match press conference to question some of referee Paul Williams' decisions. With the format of the new Nations Championship, Wales and Jones could meet once again this autumn, with both sides seemingly likely to finish fifth in their respective hemispheres and on course to meet in London in the finals' weekend.
Asked about the prospect of playing Wales at Twickenham in a few weeks' time during his post-match interview with ITV, Jones joked: "We know Wales don't like playing at Twickenham, so that's a bonus."
The 2015 comeback
However, ITV interviewer Laura-Jane Jones had her response prepared. "They didn't mind in 2015," she said instantly. "No, they've had a few wins there," admitted Jones. "That's true."
The response drew praise online, with former England wing Ugo Monye tagging Laura-Jane in an Instagram comment, saying: "Touché." In fairness to Jones, he took over England in the aftermath of that famous 2015 World Cup victory, going on to never lose at HQ to Wales during his time as England boss. That Dan Biggar-inspired triumph was just Wales' third at Twickenham this century and the last time Wales won at the ground, having lost on their last nine visits.
