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Five-star Joseph shines as England hammer Japan 78-15

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In short

England capitalized heavily on an early numerical advantage after a Japanese lock saw his yellow card upgraded to a 20-minute red for an illegal tackle. The hosts subsequently ran in 13 total tries, split between an eight-try blitz in the opening half and five additional scores after the interval. Winger Will Joseph led the charge by crossing the line four times within the first 25 minutes before securing an intercept score in the second half. Japan managed to counter with only two tries of their own through Warner Dearns and Helu Opeti alongside kicking contributions from Naoto Saito.

Key points

  • The decisive bonus-point victory elevated England into second position in the Northern He…: The decisive bonus-point victory elevated England into second position in the Northern Hemisphere standings of the Nations Championship.
  • Disciplinary trouble severely undermined Japan's defensive structure, enabling the hosts…: Disciplinary trouble severely undermined Japan's defensive structure, enabling the hosts to build an insurmountable early lead through relentless physical carrying.
  • Will Joseph firmly staked his claim in the national setup by delivering a record-equallin…: Will Joseph firmly staked his claim in the national setup by delivering a record-equalling performance in just his second international appearance.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

LONDON, Nov 14 : England winger Will Joseph scored a record-equalling five tries to lead his side to a runaway 78-15 Nations Championship win over Japan at Twickenham on Saturday.

Joseph was making only his second appearance for England, more than four years after his debut, and started his return with a try from his first touch inside the opening 65 seconds before adding three more in the first 25 minutes.

The 24-year-old scored a fifth with an intercept after the interval to equal the record set by Rory Underwood in 1989 and matched by Josh Lewsey in 2003 and Henry Arundell at the last World Cup.

England ran in 13 tries in a record score against Japan, and in the new Nations Championship competition.

There were also scores for Freddie Steward, Ellis Genge, Cadan Murley and Ben Earl in an eight-try spree in the first half and for George Martin, Ben Curry, Marcus Smith and Greg Fisilau after the break.

George Ford converted three tries and kicked a penalty and Henry Slade added two conversions.

Warner Dearns and Helu…

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