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.