Will Joseph equals try-scoring record as England rout Japan

Will Joseph ran riot on his full debut as England warmed up for New Zealand’s visit to Allianz Stadium by storming to a record 78-15 victory over Eddie Jones’ Japan.

A week after after routing Australia in style, England clicked again despite making 10 personnel changes in a 13-try demolition that saw man of the match Joseph cross five times, equalling the national record.

Steve Borthwick had billed the clash as a World Cup squad audition for his fringe stars and it was the explosive Gloucester wing who stole the show on his second cap, four years after winning his first.

It puts him in pole position to replace the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso against the All Blacks next Saturday when England will potentially be playing for a place in the Nations Championship final as their autumn rebuild continues.

Max Ojomoh, another World Cup hopeful, also impressed as a disappointing Japan were punished mercilessly for failing to show up in defence and live up to any of the promises made by Jones, their former England boss.

The traps, chaos and unorthodox rugby never materialised as the Brave Blossoms instead served up a training ground run and were a shadow of the team that lit up the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

Jones wore a grimace for most of the game and any prospect of Japan adding a third upset to the weekend’s action after France and Wales had ripped up their scripts evaporated in 60 seconds when Joseph exploded through three tackles to begin the onslaught.

To add to the visitors’ nightmare start, second row Harry Hockings was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Ellis Genge.

Within half an hour Joseph already had enough finishes for a highlights reel, although he was able to shine because of the ingenuity of his midfield overseen by George Ford, with full-back Freddie Steward also showing enterprise.

Every England touch turned to gold as the avalanche of points continued, even if a decision to kick for the posts seemed out of keeping with events on the field, drawing boos and a confused look from Genge.

The domination extended to the aerial battle with kicks from Ford and Steward gifting Joseph two tries and Steward also crossed himself as Japan struggled to contain the waves of attacks.

Genge rampaged over after hitting the ball at speed and there was a maul try for Ben Earl, but England were at their deadliest out wide with Cadan Murley on the end of another slick move.

Japan had crossed through Warner Dearns towards the end of the first half and their second by Opeti Helu in the 47th minute was a classy try made possible by quick ball as part of a more competitive third quarter.

But George Martin muscled over and Joseph picked off an intercept for his fifth try even though Luke Cowan-Dickie was in the sin bin for a ruck offence.

Ben Curry, Marcus Smith and Greg Fisilau completed the try fest with ruthless England keeping their foot to the floor right to the end.