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:
Rugby World Cup final - Sarah Hunter hails ‘special group’ of Red Roses after England heartbreak
England captain Sarah Hunter saluted a “special group” of Red Roses after the heartbreak of World Cup final defeat against New Zealand.
England went down 34-31, having played more than an hour with 14 on the field after Lydia Thompson was sent off in the 18th minute.
Despite facing the tournament hosts in front of a sold-out Eden Park a player down, Hunter was convinced her side, who led for much of the match, would find a way to come out on top.
Sarah Hunter hails ‘special group’ of Red Roses after England final heartbreak
Tournament hosts New Zealand clung on for a 34-31 at Eden Park against an England side reduced to 14 after 18 minutes.
Rugby World Cup final - England fall short as Black Ferns retain crown
Just before we get going in Ireland, there has already been one thrilling game of rugby today, with England and New Zealand delivering a World Cup final to remember at Eden Park.
Heartbreak for England as New Zealand blast back to win World Cup
New Zealand 34-31 England: The Red Roses fall just short as the Black Ferns triumph once more
Autumn Nations Series - Ireland vs Fiji
A very good afternoon. It’s the second week proper of the Autumn Nations Series and another long, enticing weekend of international rugby ahead.
The action begins in Dublin, where Fiji are in town hoping to cause a shock against a changed Irish side, with kick off an hour or so away.
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