Will Joseph scores five as England beat Japan 78-15
Will Joseph scored five tries as England beat Japan 78-15 at Twickenham, matching the national record for tries by an England player in one match. The result sends England into next weekend’s game against New Zealand on a high.
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England beat Japan 78-15 at Twickenham after Will Joseph scored five tries on his return to international rugby, matching the England record for tries in a single match. The centre became the fifth England player to reach the mark, joining Douglas Lambert, Rory Underwood, Josh Lewsey and Henry Arundell.
Joseph, who had not played Test rugby for four years, made his debut as a teenager against Australia. His return followed strong early-season form for Gloucester. He scored five of England’s 12 tries as the hosts raced to a 32-3 lead inside 20 minutes and led 49-10 at half-time.
Max Ojomoh helped create two of Joseph’s tries with sharp work in midfield. England also gave scrum-half Archie McParland his debut as a replacement. Japan scored tries through Sanaila Waqa Dearns and Shuhei Takeuchi Helu, but could not keep pace with England’s attack.
The win sets up a meeting with New Zealand next weekend. England are expected to bring back several first-choice players for that match, while the All Blacks arrive after losing to Wales.
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