England’s rugby team ended a disappointing run of five consecutive losses by triumphing 59-14 over Japan at Allianz Stadium. This decisive victory was marked by multiple standout performances, with Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie each scoring two tries. In addition, tries from Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Ollie Sleightholme, George Furbank, and Tom Roebuck highlighted England’s dominance throughout the match, signaling a successful conclusion to their Autumn Nations series. England’s strength at the lineout was crucial, leading to three early tries within the first 25 minutes, as Earl, Underhill, and George established a commanding 28-0 lead before halftime.
Notably, George’s second try occurred shortly before the break, further demonstrating England’s attacking prowess. Despite Japan managing to break through and score via Naoto Saito, England responded strategically, with Sleightholme quickly scoring again to take a 35-7 advantage into halftime. The second half saw England maintain their momentum, with slick plays resulting in Furbank’s try, energizing the crowd and reinforcing their lead. Cowan-Dickie’s two tries showcased England’s continued offensive pressure, while Japan managed to score a consolation through Kazuki Himeno. Roebuck capped the match with his first international try, firming up England’s emphatic win.
Head coach Steve Borthwick expressed relief and satisfaction at this performance, emphasizing the team’s need for a positive finish after enduring a tough November series. The return of Eddie Jones to Allianz Stadium, following his dismissal in 2022 as England’s head coach, added narrative depth to the match. There were notable individual achievements as well, such as Marcus Smith surpassing Charlie Hodgson to become eighth on England’s all-time scoring list, contributing 14 points through conversions. Jamie George’s joint record as England’s most-capped hooker alongside Dylan Hartley was poignant and highlighted the team’s progress.
Ollie Sleightholme was named Player of the Match, adding to his encouraging international debut performances with a fourth try in five Tests. His composure under pressure led to a well-timed punt that resulted in another England try. The match brought forth a legacy moment for Sleightholme, as he has now matched his father Jon’s try tally for England, with expectations he will surpass it soon. This match served not only as a morale booster for the team but as a platform for young players like Sleightholme to establish themselves in international rugby.
In terms of individual ratings, players received varying scores reflecting their contributions during the game. Stars such as Furbank, Freeman, Lawrence, and Sleightholme were all rated similarly, while Cowan-Dickie and George stood out with high marks as vital components of England’s cohesive unit. Japan’s performances were ranked lower, acknowledging the struggles they faced during an intense encounter that highlighted defensive lapses and missed opportunities.
Statistically, the match revealed insightful narratives: Jamie George matched Dylan Hartley in caps, and England cemented their dominance with 11 consecutive wins against Japan. Furthermore, Japan’s challenges were evident in their trend of conceding over 20 points in each of their last 14 Tests and losing 12 games in a row against European teams. Ultimately, this match serves as a pivotal moment of positivity for England, providing a foundation to build upon as they prepare for the upcoming Six Nations campaign in February.
