Eddie Jones claims Japan’s extreme heat and humidity will help England at the Rugby World Cup, writes Alex Spink in Miyazaki.
Conditions at this time of the year can be both stifling and debilitating, with humidity as high as 90 per cent on top of temperatures of 36 degrees.
But England have arrived in Miyazaki from two heat camps in northern Italy and claim to be acclimatised.
Jones, who is half Japanese and has planned his team’s stay meticulously, 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.
“The players have adjusted really well. We're very positive and there's a good feeling in the camp. We feel playing in the humidity will give us an advantage.”
After a few days to shake off jet lag and recover from last week’s game against Italy, England get down to serious work today.
“The lads can't wait to get going,” said captain Owen Farrell. “It is humid and we haven't trained too much in it yet. But we did a lot of preparation in Treviso, which was also very humid, and we feel we've built up a decent base.”
Jones is revered in these parts for masterminding Japan’s seismic defeat of two-time winners South Africa at the last World Cup.
It has ensured England a warm welcome as they count down to their tournament opener against Tonga in Sapporo a week tomorrow.
"The Japanese love the All Blacks and that isn't going to change,” said Jones. “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.
"It will make a difference having a number of people supporting us because Japanese rugby crowds can be quite quiet.”
