In a thrilling encounter, England dominated Japan with a resounding victory of 59-14 at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, marking a significant turnaround after a challenging autumn international series. This match was not only a much-awaited win but also a crucial rebound for Eddie Jones’ Japan, who faced their former coach after a series of lackluster performances leading up to this fixture.
It was a bitterly cold November afternoon when England took to the field, determined to put an end to a dismal five-match losing streak. The home team showcased their attacking prowess right from the first whistle, demonstrating the kind of fast-paced rugby that had been their hallmark in past seasons. The opening try came from Ben Earl, who, after a dazzling run, crossed the try line with a simple touch down after a deft pass from Ollie Lawrence. This early score set the tone for what would become a dominant performance.
Captain Jamie George added two tries in the first half, further extending England’s lead. The proficient execution of rolling mauls was a sight to behold as George demonstrated his strength and leadership. England continued to pile on the pressure with Sam Underhill and Ollie Sleightholme contributing to an impressive accumulation of points before halftime. By the break, the score stood at 35-7, and the match seemed firmly under England’s control.
The second half saw England continue their assault, with George Furbank brilliantly capitalizing on an exquisite behind-the-back pass from Tommy Freeman. This electrifying move exemplified England’s attacking flair and resulted in Furbank scoring the team’s sixth try. As England’s domination deepened, Luke Cowan-Dickie entered the fray and added a pair of tries to his name, bringing the bewilderment to Japan’s defensive line.
Despite the overwhelming scoreline, Japan managed to salvage a small measure of pride courtesy of Kazuki Himeno’s tenacious try, providing some semblance of hope. However, it was too little, too late, as Tom Roebuck concluded the scoring for England, marking his first international try and capping off a historic rout.
This victory finally allowed England coach Steve Borthwick to take a breath after a challenging series, where they narrowly lost to formidable opponents such as New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. The match against Japan came as a sweet relief following a disjointed run that included a third-place finish at the last Rugby World Cup. With only five wins out of a total twelve games this year, the team remains in a transitional phase, but this emphatic win offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
On the flip side, the match signified a sobering reminder for Japan, who, despite their previous improvements under Jones, have faced defeats against higher-ranked sides like New Zealand and France this autumn. The new challenges posed by the elite teams remain daunting, as exemplified by their inability to match England’s physicality and tactical acumen in this encounter.
The line-ups for both teams showcased an array of talent, with England opting for a mix of youth and experience, featuring key players like Marcus Smith and Maro Itoje. Japan’s squad, while composed of skilled athletes, struggled to maintain a strong foothold against the wall of momentum propelled by their English counterparts.
The officiating by Craig Evans, alongside his assistant referees Andrea Piardi from Italy and Morne Ferreira from South Africa, ensured the match ran smoothly, maintaining fairness throughout the proceedings.
In conclusion, this match served as a potent reminder of England’s potential when firing on all cylinders. As the autumn series closes, it leaves fans of English rugby optimistic about the future, despite the earlier setbacks this season. For Japan, the road ahead will require resilience and readjustment as they seek to find their footing back among the world’s elite rugby nations.
