England vs Japan LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as much-improved England seal big win
England 52-13 Japan: Eddie Jones’s side were rampant in scoring seven tries
England put last week’s ragged defeat by Argentina firmly behind them when they ran in six tries, plus a penalty try, and played some highly entertaining rugby along the way to overwhelm Japan 52-13 at Twickenham.
Full-back Freddie Steward was the star of the first half as he claimed the opening try and had a hand in scores for Guy Porter and Marcus Smith as England led 24-6 at the break and stretched that lead in the second half through Ellis Genge and Porter.
England lost their way for 20 minutes, allowing Naoto Saito to score Japan’s only try, before a penalty try and a second from Smith finished things off for the hosts. Owen Farrell landed all six conversion attempts as well as an early penalty.
England, who will play Japan again in the pool stage of the World Cup next September, face New Zealand next week, before finishing their autumn internationals against South Africa. Japan, who pushed France and New Zealand close in their previous two games, play France again next Sunday.
Relive all the action from Twickenham with our blog:
France 30-26 South Africa
What a Test match we were treated to and it was France who came out on top in the end.
Siya Kolisi discusses South Africa’s defeat
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has chatted to Prime Video about his side’s narrow defeat.
“It's tough,” he said. “The boys played well at times, we made a couple of msitakes and they capitalised. It was an amazing crowd and the French team played really well.
“We plan for it [having a man sent off]. Anything can happen. We gave it our all and we’re not going to make excuses, no matter what. That's what we did.
“It could have gone either way. They played well, well done to them. You go to your preparation when everything gets tough. We'll learn from this. We would have loved to win but they came out on top.”
Gregory Alldritt reflects on victory
Gregory Alldritt talked to Prime Video straight after that unbelievable win.
“We knew it would be a really difficult game,” he said. “The Springboks are one of the most physical teams in world rugby and they proved it today. We had lots of injuries, Antoine’s red card.
“It was a big win and thanks to the amazing crowd tonight
“Our gameplan is not based on one guy, it’s based on the team. So after Antoine was sent off, we keep going, we don't stop playing, just need to find some solutions
“Both teams did a great match. We were at home, and the incredible crowd made a difference. A phenomenal crowd.”
France 30-26 South Africa
Here’s the moment France won a remarkable Test match
WATCH: Falatea over for key try
Here was the crucial try from France. They managed to milk their lead successfully after this. Incredible stuff.
FULL-TIME! France 30-26 South Africa
What a Test match! Somehow France come out on top. Stade Velodrome rocking, French winning streak extended as both teams have a man sent off. Unbelievable!
France 30-26 South Africa, 80 mins
THEY’VE DONE IT! France kick the ball dead and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. 12 wins in a row!
France 30-26 South Africa, 79 mins
South Africa claim the kick-off and are in France territory. But Moefana pilfer the ball - what a turnover. 25 seconds left for France to hold on.
PEN! FRANCE 30-26 South Africa (Ramos, 78 mins)
Ramos eats up every second he can and thumps the penalty through! A four-point lead and 90 seconds left
France 27-26 South Africa, 77 mins
And France win the scrum penalty! Celebrations, huge moment from the French pack. Big old Chalureau helping there after coming off the bench.
Ramos to go for the posts
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments