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.
9 Alex Mitchell 7.5
Solid box kick to clear the danger after the kick off was dropped. A solid outing from the halfback who ran the tempo of attack at a blistering pace. Showcased his evasive footwork to score England’s fifth try, as the Saints man skipped passed the defence from the back of the breakdown. Replaced by Harry Randall at 51 minutes.
10 Marcus Smith 8
Given the nod to run the team, with George Ford absent through injury.
Penalised for not rolling away in the first minute, as Japan took a 3-0 home lead. Slotted the conversion for Cunningham-South’s try, to regain the lead for England after 16 minutes. Scored an excellent try at the 23rd minute, as he sold the dummy to Freeman with a spark of acceleration. Impressive pass out wide to Feyi-Waboso, to claim the assist for England’s 3rd try. Immaculate cross-field kick, to switch the angle of attack as Henry Slade scored out wide. Penalised for making an early tackle, with the TMO review handing Smith a yellow card.
11 Tommy Freeman 7
Lost an airborne battle for the ball at 10 minutes. Faced with the tough task of taking down Jone Naikabula, who proved to be challenging throughout the match. Shrugged off two tackles after claiming a high ball at 36 minutes, solid showing from the Saints wing. Exquisite timing for a 37th minute tackle on a high ball receiver.
12 Ollie Lawrence 7
A solid few carries in the first half, with a 23rd minute pick from the back of the scrum bulldozing his way through the red and white line. Excellent awareness to find the space for Marcus Smith’s first half try. Turned over on the deck by Naikabula, as England lost possession just before half-time. Inches away from dotting down Fin Smith’s chip, to narrowly miss out on a try in the final play of the game.
13 Henry Slade 8
Made a solid hit at 11 minutes, that popped the ball out of Japanese hands for a scrum turnover. As calm as ever with his classy attacking play, as he distributed neat passes to his supporting teammates. Has really made the 13 shirt his own, for his seventh consecutive start in England’s outside midfield channel. Excellent finish out wide for England’s fourth try, as he collected Marcus Smith’s cross field kick.