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.
14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 7.5
Presenting a well-rounded performance in attack and defence, as the Exeter wing showcased his physical presence on both sides of the ball. Scored a walk-in out wide on only his second England start, thanks to the excellent missed pass by Smith. Excellent interception at 40 minutes, to win possession before half-time. Neat line break immediately after half time, with relentless pace. Off for Tom Roebuck at 59 minutes.
15 George Furbank 7
Showcased some excellent running lines in the first half, yet has less success from the boot. His 19th minute back-field chip kick rolled into the dead-ball area. Managed to execute a few neat grubbers, despite the constant pressure on the fullback.
REPLACEMENTS
16 Theo Dan 6
On for his Saracens club mate and mentor Jamie George shortly after half-time. Entrusted to see out the win up front with the captain’s early exit.
17 Joe Marler 7.5
On to make his 93rd England cap, to reunite the partnership with Dan Cole. Made a solid 54th minute contribution, to disrupt Japan’s line-out maul for an important turnover. Followed this up with a scrum penalty, as the Harlequin showcased his scrummaging best. Made a massive hit at 73 minutes, that echoed around the stadium.
18 Will Stuart 6
On for Dan Cole, as the England pack required fresh legs in the relentless Tokyo heat. Battled hard at scrum-time to keep Japan on the back-foot.
19 Charlie Ewels, 5
On at the 65 minute mark, yet was immediately under his own posts as Japan crossed for their first try. Solid work at the set-piece, as despite leaking a couple of tries England kept their strength in attack. Dangerous clear out on Michael Leitch at 72 minutes, as he dove at the captain’s legs. Shown a yellow card (and off-field review) as England finished the match with 14 men. The off-field review upgraded the offence to a red card for the Bath man, no mitigation and a high degree of danger.
20 Tom Curry 6.5
Made his first cap for England since the Rugby World Cup bronze medal match. Replaced Underhill on his return to England duties. Made some strong hits and clattered into contact, looking right back up to speed upon his England return. Penalised at 67 minutes at the ruck, with his over eagerness to make an impact at times proving costly.
21 Harry Randall 7
On for Alex Mitchell at 51 minutes, as he earned his first test match minutes under Steve Borthwick. Intercepted Japan’s looping pass at 53 minutes, to halt what looked like a try scoring opportunity for the Cherry Blossoms. Scored on his return to England duties, as he sniped in to score from the back of the breakdown with England down to 14 men.
22 Fin Smith 6
On to the pitch to replace Marcus Smith following the fly half’s trip to the sin bin. Not the ideal first involvement as he could not force Nezuka into touch, as Japan crossed over to score.
23 Tom Roebuck 6.5
On for his England debut at the hour mark, with Steve Borthwick awarding a first England appearence to the formerly Scotland eligible man. Showcased frightening pace and agility upon his first carry, before getting the offload away at 70 minutes.