Will Joseph equals England record with five-try masterclass against Japan

Will Joseph made an extraordinary return to international rugby, scoring five tries as England overwhelmed Japan and built momentum ahead of next weekend’s showdown with New Zealand.

The Gloucester centre had waited four years for another opportunity in an England shirt after making his debut as a teenager against Australia. His journey back has been far from straightforward, with London Irish’s collapse, a difficult period at Harlequins and an autoimmune condition that caused hearing loss in his left ear all part of the intervening years.

However, a strong start to the season at Gloucester earned him a place in Steve Borthwick’s plans, and he seized his chance in spectacular fashion. Joseph combined blistering pace with intelligent running and an impressive work-rate to become only the fifth England player to score five tries in one match.

Douglas Lambert, Rory Underwood, Josh Lewsey and Henry Arundell are the other names to have reached that landmark.

Japan struggled to cope with England’s physicality and attacking speed, with the visitors unable to establish the rapid recycling and flowing possession that have troubled leading international sides in the past.

England raced into a 32-3 advantage during the opening 20 minutes, leaving the contest looking increasingly one-sided and providing an opportunity to assess several players competing for places ahead of the New Zealand Test.

Max Ojomoh made a particularly strong impression on his return to the side. The Bath centre, earning his first appearance since impressing against Argentina a year earlier, brought composure and creativity to England’s midfield.

His acceleration helped create Joseph’s second try, while a beautifully timed pass later opened the route for the centre’s fourth score. Joseph finished that opportunity with an acrobatic flourish as England continued to pile on the points.

Henry Pollock, making only his second England start, worked hard with ball in hand but found it difficult to reproduce the game-changing influence he has often brought from the bench.

Greg Fisilau made an impact after coming on, producing two powerful tackles and adding a try of his own to strengthen his claims in an increasingly competitive back-row selection battle.

George Ford directed England’s attack effectively for much of the match, although his kicking from the tee was less convincing. Marcus Smith later took over at fly-half, while Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland made his England debut from the replacements.

Joseph takes centre stage as Japan struggle

England have made a habit of starting their autumn fixtures at high intensity, and they wasted little time putting Japan under pressure.

Joseph appeared to have crossed inside the opening stages, but the Television Match Official was asked to review the score. Unlike the controversial decision that ruled out Immanuel Feyi-Waboso against Australia the previous weekend, Joseph’s effort was allowed to stand.

The review instead focused on a high challenge by Japan lock Harry Hockings on Ellis Genge. Hockings was upright in the tackle and, after the incident was examined, received a 20-minute red card.

Japan had already been struggling to contain England, and playing with 14 men made their task even harder.

The home side exploited their advantage through a succession of powerful carries and well-executed attacking moves. Genge produced a devastating run towards the line, while George Martin and Asher Opoku-Fordjour helped establish the platform for Freddie Steward to force his way over.

Ben Earl then finished a dominant driving maul, taking England to 49-10 before half-time. Martin added another close-range score shortly after the restart as the hosts maintained their control.

Joseph's fifth try came through an interception, allowing him to run in and draw level with England's single-match record. His achievement was watched by his older brother Jonathan, the former England and British and Irish Lions centre, who was working as a pitchside presenter.

Smith was introduced in place of Ford in the second half and added another try. With the match increasingly stretched and a series of substitutions disrupting the flow, he had limited opportunity to impose a consistent attacking structure, but showed good footwork to beat a defender and get on the scoresheet.

All Blacks challenge comes into focus

England’s attention now turns to a much sterner examination against New Zealand next weekend.

Borthwick’s side began the autumn as underdogs for the meeting, but their latest performance will have increased belief that they can challenge the All Blacks.

New Zealand will arrive looking to respond after their defeat by Wales, while England will take confidence from the manner of their victory over Japan.

Last year’s win against the All Blacks was one of the standout results of Borthwick’s time in charge. Repeating that success would provide another significant marker of England’s progress.

Joseph’s remarkable return has given the head coach another selection option, while the performances of Ojomoh, Fisilau and other players will add further competition as England prepare for the next challenge.