England forward Charlie Ewels was sent off for his country for the second time during a match against Japan in Tokyo.
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One fan wrote: “That’s the second time ewels has let England down with a silly disciplinary mistake. Never been impressed with him in an England shirt anyway. Hopefully we won’t see him again-hardly missed him in the last 2 years he hasn’t played for us”
A second commented: “Card for Ewels here surely. V dangerous.”
Another said: “Ewels again showing he shouldn’t be wearing white.”
“No doubt that is a red card for Ewels there. Absolutely reckless clear out,” said. a fourth.
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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.
8 Ben Earl 8
Customary cheers from the back row as George Martin won a turnover near the England try line. Penalised for having his hands on the floor in the ruck, which hindered an attacking phase. Knocked on an 18th minute pass, following a neat interplay between Mitchell and Furbank. Crossed over for a try after 49 minutes, as he supported Mitchell’s carry and offered the option to score from close range. Brilliant athleticism for the diving intercept, which curtailed Japan’s attacking momentum at 65 minutes.