England 78-15 Japan: Will Joseph make sensational Test comeback

Joseph takes centre stage

Will Joseph scored five of England’s 13 tries in the 78-15 victory over Japan at Twickenham. His exuberant finish for his fourth try included a cartwheel as he grounded the ball.

Joseph’s progress had been slowed by limited game time and fitness problems at Harlequins, after London Irish’s bankruptcy ended his time at his boyhood club. He has since impressed for Gloucester, offering a dangerous running and passing threat on the wing or in midfield.

Former England wing Chris Ashton said Joseph was similar in style to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Reports from Pennyhill Park during the week had also described Joseph as reproducing Feyi-Waboso’s elusive running.

A possible Test breakthrough

Joseph’s former Ireland team-mate Henry Arundell made a strong impression on a previous trip, scoring in the first Test and earning his second and third caps in the series. He later reached the Rugby World Cup squad and scored five tries against Chile in Lille.

Joseph has yet to experience those milestones. The report describes him as slightly slower but smarter, and potentially more suited to Test rugby.

England build winning momentum

England’s victory was their fourth in a row after a run of five successive defeats. The much-changed side also featured Ellis Genge, who brought force to the contest, and Maro Itoje, whose form was described as continuing to improve after a summer off.

Henry Pollock found it difficult to make an impact with the ball, but contributed in defence and at the breakdown. Even Japan coach Eddie Jones, who had earlier criticised Twickenham’s in-stadium experience, managed a smile by the end.