Wales will face a formidable task next month as they travel to Japan, not just to reverse a record-breaking losing streak, but to do so against one of the game’s most seasoned tacticians — Eddie Jones.
The outspoken Australian, now in his second spell at the helm of Japan, is eager to deepen Wales’ misery during their two-Test tour, which kicks off in Kitakyushu on July 5 and concludes in Kobe on July 12.
Wales, under pressure and searching for form, arrive in Asia having lost 17 consecutive Test matches — the longest run of defeats ever recorded by a tier-one rugby nation — dating back to their World Cup pool-stage win over Georgia in 2023.
"I'm not too familiar with him (Jones) myself, but I have heard on the grapevine that he's got certain attributes," said Wales flanker Josh Macleod. "I think we'll find those out on the pitch."
Macleod, who returns to the national set-up after an injury-plagued few years, understands just how stern a challenge awaits. Jones is known for extracting discipline and grit from his teams, and his presence in Japan's coaching box makes Wales' task even more daunting.
"No test game is easy, but as a group we haven't shied away from it (the losing streak)," Macleod added. "We've touched on the fact that we are looking to end that, we've got a job to do in the conditions. We've got to pull together and stay tight as a group, look to produce on the pitch and get that win."
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The 28-year-old Scarlets captain returns to the international fold having reestablished himself with strong domestic form, after years of battling setbacks that have stunted his Test career.
"I've had a decent bit of bad luck over the years," said the twice-capped Macleod. "This year one of my focuses has been to stay fit and do all I can off the pitch to hit that target. So far, so good."
His journey has been anything but smooth. Named to make his Six Nations debut against Scotland in 2021, he was ruled out by a ruptured Achilles tendon during training. It wasn’t until the autumn of 2022, in a match against Georgia, that he finally earned his first Wales cap — only to then miss the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to a shoulder issue.
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Still, his consistent performances for the Scarlets this season — where he has led from the front and helped them become the only Welsh team to reach the United Rugby Championship knockout rounds — have earned him a deserved recall.
“It was tough at the start not being involved at the Scarlets (through injury), but having played almost every game this year I feel my voice has been heard,” Macleod said.
“Obviously we can’t shy away from past performances and past results here.
“But I guess not having been involved for a fair while… (I bring) a fresh outlook, a bit of leadership and a calm head.”
Now back in red and determined to help arrest Wales’ slump, Macleod knows they face not just Japan, but the influence and mind games of Jones — a coach whose teams rarely go quietly.
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