Will Joseph scores five as England thrash Japan 78-15
Gloucester winger Will Joseph shone at Twickenham, while England head coach Steve Borthwick looks ahead to a clash with New Zealand.
Key points
- England beat Japan 78-15 at Twickenham on Saturday, scoring 13 tries in total.
- Will Joseph scored five tries, the most of any player in the match.
- Eddie Jones, Japan's coach, had earlier criticised the in-stadium crowd messaging.
- England have now won four matches in a row after five successive defeats.
- England face New Zealand next Saturday, with several injured players hoping to return.
England thrashed Japan 78-15 at Twickenham on Saturday, and according to BBC Sport, the result was largely built on a fine display from Will Joseph. The 24-year-old wing scored five tries, which put him at the centre of a match that produced 13 tries overall.
The atmosphere in the stadium was also different from usual. Junior tickets were sold at £15, so the crowd was younger and louder than normal. Japan’s head coach Eddie Jones, who had led England for seven years, was not impressed by a big-screen message asking fans to make more noise. He told BBC Radio 5 Live that being told when to cheer was a bit funny.
A comeback for Joseph
Joseph’s rise has taken time. Jones had handed him his single earlier England cap in 2022, when he was a teenage apprentice sent on tour to Australia and called into the second Test at short notice. Since then, his progress has been slowed by a lack of playing minutes and fitness problems during his spell at Harlequins. He had to leave his boyhood club, London Irish, when that side collapsed into bankruptcy.
At Gloucester this season he has been one of several young English-qualified backs who have stood out. England used him on the wing to provide the pace that was missing after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was injured during the autumn campaign. Former England wing Chris Ashton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, compared Joseph’s style to Feyi-Waboso’s.
Other performers and the wider squad
BBC Sport also highlighted other players. George Martin led England’s carry and tackle figures after returning from a long injury layoff, while Ellis Genge and Maro Itoje were praised for their contributions. Max Ojomoh was described as sharp in midfield, and Henry Pollock was credited with defensive work even though he found it harder to make an impact with the ball.
What comes next
Head coach Steve Borthwick said the team was starting to play well, pointing to speed in attack and good decisions on when to pass or kick. England have now won four games in a row after five successive defeats. Ollie Chessum, Seb Atkinson and George Furbank are hoping to be fit in time for the New Zealand match next Saturday, though their availability is not yet confirmed.
Joseph said he was happy that his hard work had paid off and that he wanted more chances like this. Jones, joking after the game, said Joseph had scored five tries against him after he had given the winger his first cap.
Frequently asked questions
How many tries did Will Joseph score for England against Japan?
According to BBC Sport, Will Joseph scored five tries in Englandu0026#039;s 78-15 win over Japan at Twickenham. England scored 13 tries in total in the match.
When do England play New Zealand?
BBC Sport reported that England face New Zealand next Saturday. Several injured players, including Ollie Chessum, Seb Atkinson and George Furbank, are hoping to return for that match.
Who is Will Joseph?
Will Joseph is a 24-year-old wing who plays for Gloucester. He won his only previous England cap in 2022 under Eddie Jones.
Sources
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