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 27-26 South Africa, 76 mins
Woki off for France and Bastien Chalureau is on for his debut. Erm... This is some time for your debut!
France 27-26 South Africa, 76 mins
Taofifenua catches the kick-off and France can kick clear. South Africa pinged for a forward pass as they run it back. A big error and France can milk time with this scrum
TRY! France 27-26 South Africa (Falatea, 74 mins)
Great move off the lineout. Moefana on the wraparound with Lucu and they take it within a couple of inches. And they’re over!
It’s replacement prop Sipili Falatea at the bottom of the pile. Wayne Barnes checks the grounding but loses comms with the TMO! More drama. The try is good though. Ramos misses the extras. could that be crucial?
France 22-26 South Africa, 73 mins
BANG! The physicality still here as winger/flanker/all-round weapon Macalou thunders down the left flank and delivers a hit. The noise rises as France are in the Boks 22.
Pinged again and it’s a France penalty, kicked to the corner.
France 22-26 South Africa, 72 mins
Not the time for the lineout to fail! France overthrow and South Africa jump on the loose ball. You would have fancied them to maul it over had they taken it. Boks kick clear to just outside the 22.
SA sub as Marvin Orie on for captian Siya Kolisi.
SIN-BIN! France 22-26 South Africa (Fourie, 70 mins)
WHAT A DRIVING MAUL! France march all the way within a couple of metres, Boks bring it down illegally. A freebie for France as they go for the cross-field kick but Arendse defends it against Penaud.
We come back for the penalty and Deon Fourie gets shown the yellow card. Next 10 minutes will be with 13 men for the Boks. France kick to the corner...
France 22-26 South Africa, 69 mins
A kicking duel at the moment as both sides try to make the all-important territorial gain. Springboks pinged at the breakdown after Ramos claims the ball in the air.
They kick the penalty into South African territory. Chance with a lineout in the 22 for Les Bleus
France 22-26 South Africa, 66 mins
Into the final 15 minutes and this game is up for grabs. An absolute belter in Marseille.
PEN! France 22-26 South Africa (Willemse, 64 mins)
South Africa have been mixing up their kickers today and fly-half Damian Willemse now gets the nod for his first one of the day with Kolbe off the pitch.
He nails the kick and the lead is back to four
France 22-23 South Africa, 63 mins
Lucu with not a great clearance kick gives the Boks good field position. Grinding through the phases as Etzebeth and co steadily make ground.
They then go wide to the right, Arendse is the man there and Lucu holds a foot before Macalou comes in to help get him into touch a couple of metres out. Good defence.
France then surge clear down the blindside with Macalou. He gets pinged for getting up and going again after being initially tackled. The crowd are livid when the replays show he wasn’t held, and Wayne Barnes has got that one wrong. Still, it’s a kickable penalty for the Boks.
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