LONDON: Japan ignited the World Cup with a historic last-gasp triumph against South Africa, ending their 21-year losing streak at the tournament and giving all second-tier nations hope.

But former Wallabies mentor Jones believes the win will have far greater impact than a one-off flash in the pan, backing Japan to produce future Australian Test players.

It has become common for Pacific Island stars from Fiji, Tonga and Samoan backgrounds to chase a Wallabies dream.

But Jones said exploring the Asian market has evolved from pipedream to reality.

"Definitely it's on the cards in the future. Just look at our hooker Shota Horie, he was at the Melbourne Rebels and was great," Jones said.

"There are going to be other young Japanese guys coming through and they'll go to Australia. They'll play rugby and they might choose to stay there, that would open the door for the Wallabies. It's definitely something that I think can happen in the years to come."

Fijian-born duo Henry Speight and Tevita Kuridrani chose to play for Australia instead of representing their home country, while Scott Sio's father played for Samoa.

Jones believes the introduction of Japan's Super Rugby side will open Australia's eyes to a wealth of untapped talent.

Super Rugby's governing body, SANZAR, confirmed Japan's place in the competition last week when it published the draw for a revamped competition in 2016. The Japan team is still finalising its squad, but interest has skyrocketed since the thrilling win over South Africa.

Japan will also host the 2019 World Cup, with rugby experiencing an unprecedented boom in the country.

Horie played for the Rebels while the Otago Highlanders had Fumiaki Tanaka and the ACT Brumbies invited World Cup centre Harumichi Tatekawa into their squad last year.

"Super Rugby will 100 per cent help get more players exposure in the Australian market," Jones said.

"The sport is set up for a growth spurt in Japan, having the World Cup in 2019 gives that concrete target to aim for. It's all positive."

Jones has been in charge of the team for the past four years and has been trying to build a rugby culture.

But he said the time was right for his departure as he prepares to start a new deal at the Cape Town Stormers at the end of the World Cup.

It means Jones will go from South African tormentor in the World Cup group stage to Cape Town saviour.

It also puts him in direct competition with his former Australian Super Rugby clubs – the Brumbies and the Reds – and Japan's new franchise.

"To me, the three or four major countries in the world are New Zealand, Australia, England and South Africa," Jones said. "I've coached in Australia and England ... to go to South Africa and coach in one of the great rugby countries in the world is a fantastic honour. The Stormers have a huge fan base, what a great place to go to try to help them win their first-ever Super Rugby title."