By ALEX BYWATER, SPORT REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
England thrashed Japan 78-15 on an emphatic day in London to keep their hopes of winning the Nations Championship alive.
Will Joseph scored a record-equalling five tries on his first Test start as England crossed the line 13 times on Eddie Jones’ return to Twickenham.
Steve Borthwick made 12 changes from the side who thrashed Australia 45-22 and was rewarded with a barnstorming performance in his 50th Test as England head coach.
ALEX BYWATER was on hand to bring you our player ratings.
England player ratings
Freddie Steward – 7
Kicked well for Will Jospeh who caused carnage and then crashed over himself. Good in the air as usual but like his team, was never really tested.
Will Joseph – 9
Star man, ending with a mammoth five tries – a joint Twickenham record and run which included a 19-minute hat-trick. Awful defence down his wing must be taken into account.
Henry Slade – 7
One of the easiest Tests he will ever have. Took over on kicking duties from George Ford who struggled in that area.
Will Joseph was the star man with five tries as England thrashed Japan 7-15 – but he somewhat neglected his wing!
Max Ojomoh – 8
Did well to set up Joseph with a nice pass and was excellent at creating space for those outside him. England have a big call to make next week if Seb Atkinson is back fit.
Cadan Murley – 7
Joined the long list of try scorers on what was his first cap at Twickenham. Summed up his team’s hunger and clinical nature.
George Ford – 5
Given armchair ride against truly terrible opposition. Nice 50:22 kick in the second half but wasn’t accurate from the tee. Replaced by Marcus Smith.
Jack van Poortvliet – 7
Apart from an intercept, he went very well against Australia and continued on that theme. Replaced by debutant Archie McParland.
Ellis Genge – 8
Look frustrated at his team’s penalty decision to go for goal and took that anger out on Japan with some monstrously physical carrying and a try.
Ellis Genge took his anger out with some monstrously physical carrying and a try
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
Pounced like a cat for an impressive second-half turnover. Strong overall display blotted by yellow card.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour – 7
Was never made to work hard at scrum time. Didn’t do anything wrong but will likely not be involved against New Zealand.
Maro Itoje (capt) – 7
Took possession from a Japanese carrier like a candy from a baby. Hopefully it warmed him for the All Blacks who will be out for revenge after their Wales shock.
George Martin – 7
Got the scoreboard moving again when the game restarted. If Ollie Chessum isn’t ready for New Zealand, England will still be in safe (and big) hands.
Alex Coles – 7
He’s had a good year as an individual, even if England have struggled collectively at times. A certain World Cup squad member if fit.
On his second Test start, Henry Pollock had plenty of open space but we didn’t see him in it
Ben Earl – 6
On the flank here instead of at No 8. Replaced early in the second half with far tougher tests to come. Greg Fisilau came on and was outstanding.
Henry Pollock – 6
Just his second Test start. Plenty of open space but we didn’t see him in it. Fine second-half recovery run and tackle.
Replacements: Archie McParland 6 (for Van Poortvliet 49), Greg Fisilau 9 (for Earl 52), Emmanuel Iyogun 7 (for Genge 52), Marcus Smith 8 (for Ford 58), Ben Curry 8 (for Pollock 58), Joe Heyes 7 (for Opoku-Fordjour 58), Theo Dan 7 (for Ojomoh 58), Arthur Clark 6 (for Itoje 64)
