- England beat Japan 52-17 in Tokyo the primary sport of their summer time tour
- Subsequent up is a visit to New Zealand for 2 Exams in opposition to the mighty All Blacks
- England have to Tub centre Ollie Lawrence as greater than only a ball-carrier
Job executed for England in Japan. Now the actual problem awaits. Steve Borthwick‘s facet will journey to New Zealand this week for 2 crunch Exams in opposition to the All Blacks on the again of a formidable victory in Tokyo.
Their show — whereas not good — solely served to rubber-stamp my perception that it is a good staff made up of excellent gamers. The victory was the proper platform to take to New Zealand, the place issues will likely be loads more durable.
England had been far too good for Japan. Eddie Jones is beginning once more with the Courageous Blossoms, however they appeared nicely off the tempo regardless of loads of intent. Jones goes to have his work minimize out.
The late purple card for substitute Charlie Ewels and the yellow acquired by Marcus Smith weren’t splendid. His clear-out on Michael Leitch was harmful. Ewels is not a nasty participant however he is now been despatched off in his final two England Exams and I doubt we’ll see him in New Zealand now.
The opening 10 minutes was worrying. There have been 4 penalties, Chandler Cunningham-South dropped the kick-off, and Henry Slade missed contact.
Marcus Smith was certainly one of eight England try-scorers in a 52-17 win over Japan in Tokyo
However to their credit score, England bought going after that. I assumed Smith had an excellent sport at No 10 and his partnership with Alex Mitchell should proceed in New Zealand. They’re a very nice mixture.
Smith at all times seems to be an excellent participant when his staff are going ahead and that is what occurred in Tokyo. However in opposition to the All Blacks England will not be as dominant, which can present Smith with extra of a problem, though it is one he can rise to.
I used to be very impressed with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing. I feel he is particular. He scored one other strive from a beautiful Smith go however there’s one thing about his sport that makes him stand out in all the things he does. He should additionally begin in opposition to New Zealand. I would wish to see a bit extra from Ollie Lawrence. England want to make use of the Tub centre as greater than only a ball-carrier as he’s higher than that.
Lawrence is massive and highly effective however that does not imply he must be deployed as somebody simply to bash the ball into contact which is how England used him in opposition to Japan. You want extra than simply energy in modern-day worldwide rugby.
The good New Zealand centre Ma’a Nonu began out as a crash-and-bash service provider, however developed his sport fantastically. Lawrence generally is a comparable participant for England however he must be used appropriately.
Ollie Lawrence is massive and highly effective however there may be a lot extra to his sport than being a basher
England’s assault labored nicely at instances. I appreciated Ben Earl’s tip-on go for Cunningham-South’s opener and I additionally loved his shortly taken penalty within the second half. Extra of that please Ben!
There was lots of debate concerning the England fly-half spot. However I feel Smith deserves to maintain maintain of the shirt for the remainder of the tour.
He was changed by Fin Smith as soon as his yellow for an early sort out had elapsed. However Fin did not assist his trigger with a direct missed sort out that led to a Japan strive.
England conceded 15 penalties in Tokyo and in the event that they do this in opposition to the All Blacks, they’re going to be in massive, massive bother. On the entire, although, England may be happy with their summer time opener.
Borthwick’s staff had been spectacular and managed and can arrive in New Zealand assured of additional success. I am unable to look forward to the All Blacks sequence to begin.
