Will Joseph marked his comeback after four years out of the Test game with a record-equalling five tries as England ran riot against Japan, winning 78-15 and setting their sights on New Zealand next weekend. The winger made his debut as a late replacement against Australia four years ago, and since then has endured his boyhood club London Irish going bust, an underwhelming spell at Harlequins and the loss of hearing in his left ear after an auto-immune reaction.
His superb early-season form for Gloucester has thrust him back into the international picture, and he took his opportunity showing work-rate and intelligence as well as raw top-end speed. Four other players, Douglas Lambert, Rory Underwood, Josh Lewsey and Henry Arundell, have also scored five tries in a single England match. Joseph scored four tries in the opening 25 minutes as England raced into a 32-3 lead inside 20 minutes.S1S2
Japan were vastly over-matched, unable to rev up the ball movement and quick-fire rucks that have made them a threat to the game's major powers in the past. Centre Max Ojomoh, making his first appearance since an excellent performance against Argentina 12 months ago, was smart and sharp in midfield, helping set up Joseph's second and opening a corridor for his fourth. Henry Pollock, afforded only his second start, carried gamely without the impact he has often shown off the bench, while replacement Greg Fisilau added hits and a burrowing try to the back-row debate.S1
George Ford steered England's backline neatly, but his failure to convert more of the early tries will not help his hopes of regaining the 10 shirt on a more permanent basis. Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland made his debut as a replacement. The result was a key step for England, who need to win to keep pressure on pool leaders France in the battle to qualify for the inaugural Nations Championship final on 29 November.S1S2
A host of front-line names will return next Saturday as England attempt to take down an All Blacks side smarting from defeat by Wales.S1
