Eddie Jones reflects on Japan’s ‘difficult day’ as England run in 13 tries

Japan coach Eddie Jones has described a 78-15 defeat to England as “a very difficult day” for the Brave Blossoms, who conceded 13 tries and had a player sent off in the Nations Championship Test at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

Australian-born lock Harry Hockings was shown a red card for a high shot in the first minute, and England made the most of their one-man advantage. The hosts ran in almost 50 points during the first half, with outside back Will Joseph running in four tries.

Warner Dearns crossed for Japan’s first try in the 36^th minute, but England still had the final say before the break, with Ben Earl capping off an almost flawless first half. England led 49-10 as they made their way off the stadium’s sacred turf and down the tunnel for half-time.

Replacement prop Opeti Helu crashed over for another Japan try during the second half, but the second 40 was otherwise more of the same from the English. The hosts added another 29 points to their score, with nine players finishing with at least one try to their name.

“We never really established any sort of foothold in the game. England, they were pretty powerful today, relatively precise. It was a very difficult day for us,” Jones said post-game.

“Physically, we got beaten up badly and then secondly, I think emotionally we went in with good intentions, thought we had a good preparation.

“When you get knocked around early in the game, sometimes it’s hard to recover and we weren’t able to do that today.”

Japan had a decent share of possession across the match, but were well beaten in the territory battle and in some other key areas. England dominated with 63 per cent territory, had a dozen more line breaks, carried the ball more, and only made six fewer tackles than the visitors.

The Brave Blossoms turned the ball over 19 times, conceded seven penalties and tackled at less than 75 per cent tackle accuracy. They attempted more than 180 tackles but missed 35, with the English finding success with both their running and kicking games.

“We just need to fix a couple of things up in our defence,” Jones reflected.

“Then attack-wise, when we had the ball we’re okay but we just gave the ball back too easily. Just tidying things up, mate.”

Japan are fifth on the Southern Hemisphere Series standings after five Nations Championship rounds, with Fiji in last place with a 0-5 record. As things stand, the Brave Blossoms would face Scotland in the Nations Championship Finals Weekend in a fortnight.

But there is still one round left, with Japan set to face Scotland next weekend anyway. Scotland would move above Wales on the northern hemisphere standings if they defeat the Wallabies at Murrayfield on Sunday.

“Not much from today, mate, unfortunately, but sometimes you have those days,” he added.

“The learnings will come as we reflect on the game.”