Eddie Jones Warns England Ahead of Japan Clash, but Marcus Smith Shines in Comfortable Victory
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Earlier this week, Eddie Jones cautioned England that they would be pushed to their limits as Japan aimed for a major upset in Saturday’s showdown in Tokyo.
Jones, now in his second stint as Japan’s head coach, faced off against his former team at the National Stadium. Jones was dismissed as England’s coach in December 2022 due to poor results.
However, the anticipated nail-biter never materialized. Marcus Smith bolstered his bid to keep England’s number 10 jersey for their upcoming series against New Zealand, starring in a commanding victory over Japan.
The Harlequins fly-half amassed 13 points, including a slick try from a well-executed set-play, as England kicked off their summer tour with a decisive win in Tokyo.
“It was a pretty tough game for us. England are a strong, powerful team,” Jones said.
“But I was really pleased with our set-piece work which kept us in the game for a long period of time.
“We’ve been working on things in our attack and we created opportunities but we weren’t able to finish them.
“Our movement around the ball still isn’t sharp enough. But there is real potential here for Japanese rugby.”
England player ratings vs Japan:
1 Bevan Rodd 6.5
Back in the squad for his first start since the Rugby World Cup win against Chile. Looked up to scratch following his Six Nations injury layoff. Made some short, sharp carries to grind out the hard yards over the gain-line. Received some medical attention after a battering collision just before the half time break. Off for Joe Marler at 43rd minute.
2 Jamie George (c) 7
Wonderfully overthrown line-out in the first half, which found Ollie Lawrence to set up Marcus Smith’s try. Gave away a penalty in the 31rd minute, as Japan pushed for territory downfield. Off for Theo Dan at 43 minutes.
3 Dan Cole 7
After a slow start from the entire England pack, Cole’s experience proved invaluable as the forwards regained the control up-front. Received some attention as his ear was bruised in the front row. Drove for the try-line from close range, but the Leicester man was held up at 48 minutes. Made a try-saving tackle at 53 minutes, as he halted the rapid pace of Japan’s offload attack. This tackle stopped the penalty try being awarded, after Marcus Smith’s early hit.
4 Maro Itoje, 7
Inch perfect work at the line-out, with his telepathic relationship showcased with hooker Jamie George. Solid under the high ball, as he was often the target of a Japan re-start. The lead decision maker for the many England vice-captains. Left in the trail behind Warner Dearns, as the Japan lock showcased immense one-handed skill on the run up to his side’s second try.
5 George Martin 7
A key turn over after seven minutes, as Japan threatened England’s try-line. The lock stepped up in the absence of Ollie Chessum, to form a solid second row duo with Maro Itoje. Pushed on to make key line-out contributions, despite picking up a couple of stinging injuries on his shoulders.
6 Chandler Cunningham-South 7.5
Dropped the kick off, but made a recovery. Turns his favours around by scoring England’s opening try in Tokyo, as he muscled over from close range. Received some brief treatment at 19 minutes, but muscled on for his first start. A monstrous hit at 26 minutes, as the Harlequin changed the momentum.
7 Sam Underhill 8
After a slower start by his high standards, the Bath man was at his bruising best after warming up his shoulders. Brilliant turnover at 46 minutes, as Underhill latched onto the ball and could not be shifted from the ruck. Brought England up to 50 points, as the forward pack bulldozed over from a rolling maul.