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Will Joseph ran riot on his full debut as England warmed up for New Zealand’s visit to Allianz Stadium by storming to a record 78-15 victory over Eddie Jones’ Japan.
A week after after routing Australia in style, England clicked again despite making 10 personnel changes in a 13-try demolition that saw man of the match Joseph cross five times, equalling the national record.
Steve Borthwick had billed the clash as a World Cup squad audition for his fringe stars and it was the explosive Gloucester wing who stole the show on his second cap, four years after winning his first. It puts him in pole position to replace the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso against the All Blacks next Saturday when England will potentially be playing for a place in the Nations Championship final as their autumn rebuild continues.
Max Ojomoh, another World Cup hopeful, also impressed, while Greg Fisilau was hugely impactful off the bench, as a disappointing Japan were punished mercilessly for failing to show up in defence and live up to any of the promises made by Jones, their former England boss.
Relive all the action from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
Record-equalling Will Joseph dazzles – but what did England actually learn in rout of Japan?
England did not merely beat Japan but crumple and crush them in a mismatch of mountainous proportion that seldom even threatened to become a contest.
Not that Will Joseph will much mind. On a dream Twickenham debut, the 24-year-old became just the fifth Englishman to score five tries in a single Test – the opposition may have been meek but one can only beat what it is in front of you, and Joseph rounded plenty in this ugly rout.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full report from Allianz Stadium
Maro Itoje on England win
Captain Maro Itoje spoke to ITV after the victory.
Steve Borthwick delighted with England display and Will Joseph display
Speaking to ITV after the game, England head coach Steve Borthwick was understandably pleased with the performance
“I think there is a number of things there: the intent to get into position in attack and to move the ball, and the decision to run and move the ball,” he said.
“There was a number of tries out there today from a number of sources, which was a real positive. I would also praise the bench; they were great. I thought they came on and did a good job.
“The supporters have really enjoyed today, and they were excellent. We really enjoy coming and playing in front of them.”
On Will Joseph: “He was great, and he took those opportunities really well. There were a lot of great carries he did that are worth mentioning.”
Will Joseph reflects on ‘pretty perfect’ day
Will Joseph spoke to ITV after his five-try display. He’s a hugely likeable bloke, by the way.
“Today was firstly, a very special day and I loved every minute of that,” he said. “I loved the way the team moved the ball and it was just a joy to be part of. I am speechless, an almost pretty perfect day.
“There were a few team changes this week and it was a short turnaround, but we got together really quickly and I think you can see how hard we have been working.”
On scoring five tries: “Pretty special day, but I am grateful for the team and the unseen bits everyone was doing to enable me to score those tries.”
On what’s next: “I am going to enjoy today and we will be in on Sunday and get our heads around the All Backs, another great opportunity to be a part of, if I am selected.”
England rout Japan
A ruthless performance from England will please Steve Borthwick, however poor Japan were. How many of those involved in featured roles today will start next week against a stunned New Zealand? Will Joseph looks well placed after those five tries with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso absent, though this was just about the perfect game for him against overmatch opposition providing no contestable threat.
“I loved every minute of that,” Joseph remarks. Of course he did! It’s neat, and slightly sad, that the last Englishman to score five tries in a single Test was Henry Arundell, his former London Irish teammate – what talent they had at the club when it went under.
FULL-TIME! England 78-15 Japan
All over at the Allianz Stadium. A record-equalling five tries for Will Joseph is the headline.
England were brilliant in attack but also defence. They looked really, really good and a number of players shone.
Japan (Warner Dearns aside) were woeful. Deservedly hammered
England 78-15 Japan, 80 mins
Japan pushing for one last consolation score and they have a lineout on the 22. No dice.
England 78-15 Japan, 79 mins
Japan gamely trying to run the ball from their own 22. Some of their players literally have their hands on their knees gasping for air though. A chastening day.
England 78-15 Japan, 77 mins
George Martin takes England back into the Japan 22. They probe to the left looking for space but a forward pass stops them in their tracks.
England 78-15 Japan, 75 mins
England would be over 90 points if they’d hit every conversion today, by the way. Do with that what you will.
Warner Dearns involved again, seizing on the kick-off but it doesn’t quite go 10 metres. A real shame. Dearns is a world-class player – you can see why the All Blacks were desperate to bring him back on board.
