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5 months ago
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England produced one of their best performances yet under Steve Borthwick as they thrashed Japan 52-17 on their tour of the island nation on Saturday.
The Roses dominated the encounter at the National Stadium in Tokyo to give former head coach Eddie Jones some serious food for thought after the hammering.
Marcus Smith was the star of the show as he scored one try and successfully kicked four conversions during the contest as England blew Japan aside.
Eight different England players crossed the white line during the match as Japan struggled to get a foothold against Borthwick's dominant stars.
Mail Sport's Chris Foy gives his full and in-depth England player ratings from Japan.
England produced one of their best performances yet under Steve Borthwick as they thrashed Japan 52-17 on Saturday
The Roses dominated the encounter at the National Stadium in Tokyo
ENGLAND
George Furbank 7.5
Covered a lot of ground in defence and caused trouble with gliding runs in wide channels.
Tommy Freeman 6.5
Huge early shot set the tone for a strong performance. A threat in the air throughout.
Jamie George 7
The skipper’s pinpoint long lineout throw set up England’s second try and he was busy in defence.
Jamie George long lineout throw set up England’s second try and he was busy in defence
Chandler Cunningham-South 7.5
Fumbled kick-off but recovered to score first try, offer lineout outlet and stand out on Test start.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 7
Simple stroll in for early try and won the interception for another. Lively throughout
Marcus Smith 8
Stunning solo strike followed by an imperious 50-22 and a long-pass assist as he seized his chance at 10.
Marcus Smith starred as England produced a stunning performance against Japan
Smith was the star of the show as he scored one try and successfully kicked four conversions during the contest
Dan Cole 6.5
Denied a rare try when he was held up over the line and had to battle for scrum parity.
Ben Earl 8
Really showed his true colours with a rampaging second-half effort and ended up in midfield.
Ben Earl really showed his true colours with a rampaging second-half effort and ended up in midfield
Henry Slade 7
Great run followed by sharp finish from a cross-kick and took over goal-kicking with assurance.
Alex Mitchell 8.5
His snipe set up England’s first try. Then he took charge after the break, scoring one try and making another.
Alex Mitchell took charge after the break, scoring one try and making another
Maro Itoje 7
Quiet until just before the break but then more prominent as game wore on and he took over the captaincy
Sam Underhill 8.5
Continued his fine form with trademark big shots, a key turnover, solid carrying and a try.
Sam Underhill continued his fine form with trademark big shots, a key turnover, solid carrying and a try
Ollie Lawrence 7
Plenty of his direct carrying in the game and was in tune with Slade and Smith alongside.
Bevan Rodd 6
Not a game for the Sale prop to show his handling class, but he put in a big shift in the tight contests
George Martin 6.5
Added clout to England’s driving game and was mostly involved in the close-quarters grafting duties
Head coach: Steve Borthwick 8
Selections and combinations worked well and tactics positive. Work needed on defensive lapses.
Steve Borthwick was delighted as his selections and combinations worked well
Replacements
Theo Dan 6: A few familiar carrying bursts;
Joe Marler 6.5: Bolstered scrum and made big hit;
Will Stuart 6: Added to strong set-piece;
Charlie Ewels 2: Deserved red card;
Tom Curry 7: Energetic and powerful;
Harry Randall 7: Sharp and finished try well;
Fin Smith 6: Few nice touches;
Tom Roebuck 6.5: One glorious run.
JAPAN
Yazaki 5; Naikabula 5.5, Tua 5, Osada 5, Nezuka 6; Lee 6 (Matsuda, 61 – 6), Saito 6.5 (Fujiwara, 57 – 5.5); Mohara 6 (Miura, 63 – 5), Harada 6.5 (Sakate, 50 – 5), Takeuchi 6 (Tamefusa, 47 – 5); Waqa 6 (Saumaki, 57 – 5), Dearns 7.5; Leitch (capt) 7, Makisi 5, Costley 6 (Yamamoto, 61 – 5). Head coach: Eddie Jones 7.
English (US)