England brushed aside Japan as they kicked off their 2024 summer tour in fine style on Saturday. Steve Borthwick’s ruthless side ran in a total of eight tries during a 52-17 demolition of an inexperienced Japan team in the heat and humidity of Tokyo, with Chandler Cunningham-South notching on his maiden Test start before Marcus Smith, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Alex Mitchell, Ben Earl, Harry Randall and Sam Underhill also touched down at the National Stadium.
Spirited Japan got two late scores of their own from Koga Nezuka and Samisoni Tua, with the otherwise excellent Smith sent to the sin-bin for an early tackle on Jone Naikabula. Replacement England lock Charlie Ewels was also shown a yellow card for a dangerous late clear-out on Brave Blossoms captain Michael Leitch that was swiftly upgraded to red following a bunker review, leaving his status uncertain for next month’s looming two-Test tour against the formidable All Blacks in New Zealand. He is also the first player ever to be sent off twice for England.
Despite that one sour note, overall it was a very pleasing day indeed in the Far East for England head coach Steve Borthwick, who ensured coaching bragging rights over former mentor Eddie Jones in England’s first meeting with their ex-boss since he was sacked by the RFU in December 2022. Follow Japan vs England reaction live below!
