England player ratings vs Japan: Autumn Nations Series

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England player ratings vs Japan as Steve Borthwick’s men brought their test Autumn Nations Series to an end at the Allianz Stadium.

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After a disappointing Autumn of defeats to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, England fans erupted into full-time cheers after an impressive win against Japan. England cruised to a victory over Eddie Jones’ side, for their first win since their trip to Tokyo in June. England powered over for nine tries against the Brave Blossoms, who never kicked into second gear in the 59-14 landslide.

Japan squandered their opportunity for an early lead, as fly half Nicholas McCurran scuffed a penalty that would have upset the hosts. England were over for their first try after just nine minutes, as Ben Earl supported the impressive line break from Ollie Lawrence. Fellow back rower Sam Underhill extended England’s lead four minutes later despite dubious replays highlighting a potential knock on. Underhill drove over the whitewash from close range as England really hit their stride.

England wing Tommy Freeman had a try disallowed despite a dramatic mid-air finish. Jack van Poortvleit knocked on the ball in a proceeding try, yet England did not have to wait long to cross the try-line once again. Captain Jamie George pushed the England maul over from back-to-back set-piece scores, before Japan rallied back with a try from their scrum half Naoto Saito. A stunning kick-chase finish from Ollie Sleightholme rounded off the first half scoring, as England took a staggering 35-7 lead into the half-time break.

Tommy Freeman showcased an outrageous piece of skill for England’s first try of the second half, as he sent the ball back inside with a ’round-the-back’. The ball went back i-field and found George Furbank in open space for the audacious try. England’s forward momentum rolled on, with replacement hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie bundling over to score off the back of a maul, just before the hour mark.

Japan rallied back two minutes later, as Kazuki Himeno supported a line break to score in open space. Cowan-Dickie would take England back down the opposite end for his brace, as England hit the half-century mark just 65 minutes into the match. Tom Roebuck then lit up the Allianz for his first try in England colours, as he collected Fin Smith’s cross field kick and glided past two Japan tacklers on his way to the try-line.

Scroll down for England player ratings vs Japan:

England:

• Tries: Ben Earl (08′), Sam Underhill (13′), Jamie George (22′, 30′), Ollie Sleightholme (36′), George Furbank (53′), Luke Cowan-Dickie (59′, 63′), Roebuck (68′)
• Cons: Marcus Smith (09′, 14′, 23′, 31′, 37′, 65′,69′)
• Pens:

Japan:

• Tries: Naoto Saito (33′), Kazuki Himeno(61′)
• Cons: Naoto Saito(33′), Takuro Matsunaga(62′)
• Pens:

England stats:

• Carries: Ben Earl – 11
• Metres: Tom Roebuck – 67
• Defender’s beaten: Ollie Lawrence – 6
• Offloads: Ollie Lawrence – 2
• Tackles: Maro Itoje – 14
• Tackles missed: Chandler Cunningham-South – 4

England player ratings vs Japan:

15 – George Furbank: 4
A quiet afternoon for the Saints fullback, who will have been hoping to make a statement having lost his place to Freddie Steward last week. Dot down after an incredible piece of play from Freeman but was substituted for Fin Smith straight after.

14 – Tommy Freeman: 6
Finished a nice move before the try was ruled out for an earlier infringement, yet struggled to implement himself in the rest of the game. Known for his aerial strength, but this wasn't fully evident this Autumn Nations Series. A gorgeous offload to George Furbank for the home side's sixth try, though.

13 – Ollie Lawrence: 9
England's best player on the pitch, showing the sort of performance fans had hoped for from the reigning Gallagher Premiership Player of the Year. Made brutal carries in midfield, one example being when he swatted away three Japanese defenders before getting an offload away. A real bright spark.

12 – Henry Slade: 5
Had some nice touches in midfield and offers something different as he can step in to be a second playmaker. However, Borthwick might be tempted to deploy a more physical inside centre, as Lawrence looks better at 13.

11 – Ollie Sleightholme: 6
Four tries in five appearances for the Northampton wing, who outshone his clubmate Freeman. Showed his silky skills with a grubber kick through for his try. Will be hoping to push Freeman for a starting shirt when Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns.

10 – Marcus Smith: 8
Another strong performance from the Harlequin, who made lovely breaks in open play and converted seven of his nine goal attempts. Looked exciting at 15 too when Fin Smith came on, which could be an experiment England continue.

9 – Jack Van Poortvliet: 7
Strengthened his claim to be England's second choice scrum-half for when Alex Mitchell returns. Kicked well, particularly when clearing the ball thirty meters under pressure. Will be frustrated that Tommy Freeman's try was chalked off for an avoidable knock-on.

1 – Ellis Genge: 5
Has had better days in an England shirt, but his leadership cannot be underestimated. Will be pushed by young props like Baxter who are coming through.

2 – Jamie George (capt): 7
A good performance from the England captain after a few difficult weeks. Scored two tries from rolling mauls and made impressive carries in the loose.

3 – Will Stuart: 6
Won a scrum penalty and showed lovely hands leading to Ollie Sleightholme's try. Despite 43 caps, it still feels as if he hasn't nailed down the tighthead shirt, and it will be interesting to see if young props like Opoku-Fordjour and Fasogbon challenge for the spot in the Six Nations.

4 – Maro Itoje: 5
A quiet afternoon for Itoje, who has had better performances in an England shirt. The Saracens captain was strong in the air, but Steve Borthwick will expect more physicality and carries from the lock.

5 – George Martin: 5
Was impressive in the opening 20 minutes, making big carries and hits. Has formed a nice partnership with Maro, but Ollie Chessum's return could affect his role.

6 – Tom Curry: 4
Did little to justify his inclusion despite the talk around his recent concussion issues. Most notable contribution was conceding a silly penalty for diving on a loose ball near the ruck.

7 – Sam Underhill: 6
Unfortunately only lasted 15 minutes due to injury while scoring the second try of the afternoon.

8 – Ben Earl: 5
Another match where England fans didn't see Earl at his best. Scored the first try but Borthwick will need to find a way to get him more involved.

16 – Luke Cowan-Dickie: 7
Did exactly what was required, making a big impact off the bench. Scored twice in just 30 minutes and has moved ahead of Theo Dan in the hooker pecking order.

17 – Fin Baxter: 6
Had close to 30 minutes on the field, but like Opoku-Fordjour, didn't get much opportunity to show his skills. Did well to win a scrum penalty.

18 – Asher Opoku-Fordjour: 5
Wasn't too busy, although he held up the scrum well. Would have been good to see more of his carrying prowess. A great battle looms between him and Stuart for the tighthead shirt.

19 – Nick Isiekwe: 4
Came on for George Martin, but there's not much to say about his performance. England will be excited to welcome Ollie Chessum back into the fold.

20 – Chandler Cunningham-South: 6
Played 70 minutes after Underhill's early injury and was very busy. Made big carries in attack and defense. It will be tough to leave him out of the starting XV when the Six Nations kicks off.

21 – Harry Randall: 5
Came on with 30 minutes to go and will be disappointed with his performance. Didn't show his usual running threat and won't break into the side on his kicking game alone, as there are stronger options in that department.

22 – Fin Smith: 6
Came on for Furbank, moving Marcus Smith to 15. Controlled the game well and showed his passing abilities when he found Roebuck in space off a lovely set-piece move, though Roebuck should have finished it.

23 – Tom Roebuck: 7
A livewire when he came on, finishing one try impressively and should have had another. Will be exciting to see how he continues to push for caps in a position where England have a lot of depth.

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