England kicked off their summer tour with a memorable victory over Japan in their inaugural Test match clash. Steve Borthwick’s team emerged victorious with a commanding 52-17 win in Tokyo, despite Charlie Ewels making history by becoming the first player to receive two red cards in England Tests. The victory was a testament to England’s resolve and skill on the field, as they put on a dominant display against the Brave Blossoms.
The match saw a total of eight players from England crossing over the try line, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess. Marcus Smith was a standout performer, contributing 13 points to the team’s tally. Despite an early penalty from Seungsin Lee giving Japan the lead, Chandler Cunningham-South quickly responded with a try on his Test debut. Smith followed suit with a try of his own, before setting up Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Slade to extend England’s lead.
Alex Mitchell added another try from close range, showcasing England’s versatility and depth in their squad. A well-executed move culminated in Ben Earl scoring a try after an assist from Mitchell, further solidifying England’s dominance on the field. Despite Smith receiving a yellow card, England continued to dictate the pace of the game, with Harry Randall and Sam Underhill adding to the try tally.
Japan managed to score tries through Koga Nezuka and Samisoni Tua, providing some resistance against England’s onslaught. However, it was not enough to stop England from securing a comprehensive victory. The match ended on a sour note for Ewels, who was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Japan captain Michael Leitch.
Looking ahead, England will face the formidable challenge of taking on New Zealand in two highly-anticipated Tests. The first match will be played in Dunedin on July 6, followed by a showdown in Auckland a week later. These matches will test England’s mettle against one of the top-ranked teams in world rugby, providing an exciting opportunity for the players to showcase their skills on the international stage.
For fans eager to catch all the action from the upcoming Olympic Games, discovery+ is the ultimate streaming destination. Viewers can enjoy exclusive coverage of Paris 2024 this summer, ensuring they don’t miss a single moment of the sporting event. England’s summer tour has set the stage for an exciting series of matches ahead, as the team looks to build on their success against Japan and make a statement against New Zealand.
