Eddie Jones turns to flying geese to inspire Japan rugby squad
The head coach reveals an unusual training method using geese formation videos ahead of their crucial Test match against Australia.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Eddie Jones uses flying geese videos to inspire the Japan national rugby team
- Japan faces Australia in the second Test match in Townsville on Saturday
- Five changes made to the squad including university student Yoshitaka Yazaki
- Sir Alex Ferguson famously used the same geese analogy for Man Utd and Team Europe
Japan rugby head coach Eddie Jones has revealed an unconventional psychological tool in his coaching arsenal, turning to educational videos of geese flying in formation to instill teamwork and tactical discipline among his players.
The training revelation comes as the Brave Blossoms prepare for the second leg of their home-and-away Test series against Australia, following a narrow 35-32 defeat to the Wallabies in Osaka last weekend.
Looking to bounce back in Saturday's fixture in Townsville, Australia, Jones has shaken up his lineup by making five personnel changes. The adjustments include handing university student Yoshitaka Yazaki a spot on the wing and giving Shunsuke Uenobo his first career start at centre.
"The reason we watch videos of geese is that the head of the flock is like the ball-carrier. The ball carrier is king, and then everyone else has got to follow after that."
Eddie Jones
Jones is not the pioneer of using migratory waterfowl for athletic motivation. During his legendary tenure at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson frequently halted training sessions to direct his players' attention toward flocks of geese migrating across the winter skies, pointing out how they rotated leadership roles while maintaining a perfect V-formation.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Employing natural phenomena and animal behavior as a visual metaphor is a classic sports psychology technique. It helps elite athletes conceptualize complex tactical roles, shared responsibility, and situational awareness without getting bogged down by complicated jargon, fostering an intuitive understanding of team chemistry on the field.
Ferguson later reprised this motivational story when invited by captain Paul McGinley to address Team Europe ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup, inspiring the squad to victory while embedding the simple catchphrase "remember the geese" throughout the tournament week.
Source: BBC Sport
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