But the former Wallabies mentor turned Japan coach says that flashpoint two years ago has made him more focused than at any other point in his international career.

Jones will lead Japan into the World Cup in England hoping to break through for the country's first win in the tournament in 24 years.

It's a journey four years in the making, but Jones knows he's lucky just to be there after the health scare, which led to some serious life changes.

"When I initially had the stroke the only thing I was thinking about was getting healthy," Jones said.

"Not that I ever lacked focus, but it probably made me more focused than ever as a coach, it made me enjoy what I was doing and the little things involved.

"To be taking Japan to a World Cup two years after being crook … 100 per cent that makes you realise how lucky you are."

Jones has a proven track record at World Cups. He led Australia into the final against England in 2003 before losing in extra time.

Jones was also part of Jake White's coaching team which won the tournament in 2007.

Jones is set to be unveiled as the Cape Town Stormers' new Super Rugby coach when Japan's World Cup campaign ends.

He will be coaching against some of his future Stormers players when Japan open their campaign against South Africa on Saturday (Sunday morning Australian time) in Brighton.

But pleasantries will be put aside with Jones determined to help Japan end a horror World Cup stretch that has seen them fail to win a game since the 1991 tournament.

Jones is still driven by the pain of losing the 2003 World Cup final to England when he was the Wallabies' coach.

The pressure being put on Japan is far less than what he experienced as Australia's mentor or his roles as ACT Brumbies and Suntory coach.

After playing South Africa, Japan will take on Scotland, the United States and Samoa.

"But if we can get our best team on the field, we'll give it a twirl," Jones said.

"Every pool is difficult … If we play at our best every game we will give ourselves a chance of winning.

"We've set a high target for ourselves … Japan hasn't won a World Cup game for 24 years. We're aiming to make the play-offs.

"If you go to a World Cup, you have to set a target of making the play-offs. If you don't do that, you might as well not go at all."

His secret weapon is former NRL star Craig Wing, who is making his World Cup debut as a 35-year-old.

While most NRL fans know Wing from his career with the Roosters and Rabbitohs, he's been rarely sighted in the international rugby world.

And why is a 90kg, 10-Test veteran inside centre so important?

"Because he's such a strong player, he carries the ball and just has that big-match experience," Jones said.

"We don't have a lot of big players, but he's been playing professionally since 1997. He hasn't played a lot over the last 12 months, but he's important to us.

"He's got that league background so he's strong, he plays above his weight. We don't have any Japanese players like that."