England vs Japan LIVE - Latest score and updates as hosts struggle against Brave Blossoms
Follow the latest from the autumn international clash at Twickenham
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Your support makes all the difference.A heavily changed England side takes on Japan on Saturday afternoon in the third of their autumn internationals, with Eddie Jones looking to get his side back to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat by the All Blacks.
Jones hands Bath wing Joe Cokanasiga his England debut while Zach Mercer makes his first start at No 8, with only four players being retained and just two of those in the same position in the form of full-back Elliot Daly and lock Maro Itoje.
George Ford comes in at fly-half to replace Owen Farrell and captain the side on what will be his 50th cap, but he will want to ensure that England do not suffer a similar fate to the Springboks in 2015 after witnessing Japan pull off one of the great shocks of rugby union. Follow the live action below.
What time does it start?
England vs Japan kicks off at 3:00pm on Saturday 17 November.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main event from 2:30pm.
Teams
England: Elliot Daly; Joe Cokanasiga, Jack Nowell, Alex Lozowski, Chris Ashton; George Ford, Danny Care; Alec Hepburn, Jamie George, Harry Williams; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Courtney Lawes, Mark Wilson, Zach Mercer.
Replacements: Dylan Hartley, Ben Moon, Kyle Sinckler, Ted Hill, Sam Underhill, Richard Wigglesworth, Owen Farrell, Henry Slade.
Japan: Will Tupou; Akihito Yamada, Timothy Lafaele, Ryoto Nakamura, Kenki Fukuoka; Yu Tamura, Fumiaki Tanaka; Keita Inagaki, Atsushi Sakate, Koo Ji-won, Wimpie van der Walt; Uwe Helu, Michael Leitch, Masakatsu Nishikawa, Kazuki Himeno.
Replacements: Yusuke Niwai, Koki Yamamoto, Aasaeli Ai Valu, Samuela Anise, Hendrik Tui, Shunsuke Nunomaki, Yutaka Nagare, Rikiya Matsuda.
71 min: England 30-15 Japan (Cokanasiga try, Ford conversion)
This is more like it. From a Richard Wigglesworth pop-kick, England reclaimed possession inside the opposition half after a well-time knock-back in the air. Play was quickly worked to the scrum-half who found a channel of space down the left flank, storming away towards Japan's try-line. An offload to Cokanasiga followed, with the England wing using his pace and power to carry him over the line despite Tupou's best efforts to stop him. A fine finish on the youngster's debut.
75 min: It's Japan's discipline which is now suffering as they concede another penalty. With a healthy 15-point lead, England opt for the line-out. They're confident they've got this game in the bag, and with good reason.
TRY! Hartley goes over for England after a rolling catch-and-drive from the line-out.
77 min: England 35-15 Japan (Hartley try, Ford misses conversion)
It's elementary stuff from the hosts. Up goes Lawes at the line-out and the rolling maul is quickly formed. England slowly trudge forward, as Twickenham urges them on, and it's not long before the backs join in on the fun. One final push edges England over and it's Hartley who makes the grounding to increase his side's lead.
79 min: Japan are going down with a fight as Yamada makes 25-odd metres down the left flank before colliding with Daly in a huge collision that sends both men flying. England react quickest and force another penalty from their opponents at the breakdown. Line-out to the hosts.
80 min: We're into the red but England are going for a late try as they kick for a line-out after another Japan penalty. Kudos to them.
FULL TIME! England 35-15 Japan
There's no late score for the home side but that's victory nonetheless!
After a disappointing opening 40 minutes, in which England were comfortably outplayed by the visitors, Eddie Jones' men fought back to claim the win. The introduction of the team's regular first-team players certainly helped matters, with the likes of Sam Underhill and Owen Farrell both being brought in to bail out the side.
Japan acquitted themselves with grace and spirit, but England's class proved too much. In the end, the Brave Blossoms' discipline came undone in the face of mounting pressure and they were ultimately unable to add to the 15 points they recorded in the first half.
An entertaining game of rugby in all but attention now turns to next weekend's crunch clash against Australia.
A nice touch from the visitors who trot on over to the East Stand before bowing to the crowds. The Twickenham masses return the love with cheers and applause. A fitting end for the Brave Blossoms.
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