TWICKENHAM, UK: England came from behind to beat Japan 35-15 at Twickenham last night as they avoided a shock defeat by the 2019 World Cup hosts.
Japan led 15-10 at half-time and were threatening an upset to rival their stunning 34-32 win over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup, when they were coached by current England boss Eddie Jones.
But England scored 25 unanswered points after the break, with late tries from test debutant Joe Cokanasiga and Dylan Hartley sealing victory.
England scrum-half Danny Care scored the first try of the match after just three minutes but Japan’s passing, led by their No 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, and handling was far sharper in the opening stages of a dry day well-suited to their running game.
Enterprising
Japan’s enterprising play was rewarded with tries by centre Ryoko Nakamura and captain Michael Leitch.
Meanwhile England again paid the price for indiscipline, with hooker Jamie George, starting in place of regular co-captain Hartley, sin-binned.
But England recovered to lead thanks to openside flanker Mark Wilson’s first test try and the boot of George Ford, their captain for this match, before powering away.
“Eddie spoke at half-time with Dylan as well as Ford, they spoke to the team to try and get us back on track,” England lock Maro Itoje told Sky Sports.
“We just needed to up it, they were beating us round the corner and winning the one-on-ones.
“Japan are a good team but we should be beating them.”