England Impress in Japan, but Tougher Tests Await in New Zealand
Steve Borthwick’s England rugby union squad delivered an impressive victory against Japan in Tokyo, but the real challenge lies ahead as they prepare to face the mighty All Blacks in New Zealand.
England’s performance, while not flawless, only served to reinforce the belief that this is a talented team brimming with quality players. The 52-17 win provided the perfect platform for the upcoming two-Test series against the world’s number one ranked side.
Japan, under the tutelage of former England coach Eddie Jones, looked off the pace despite their efforts, and the late red card for replacement Charlie Ewels as well as the yellow shown to Marcus Smith were not ideal. However, England managed to find their rhythm after a shaky start and produced a commanding display.
Fly-half Marcus Smith orchestrated the offense well, and his partnership with scrum-half Alex Mitchell will be crucial in New Zealand. Winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso also caught the eye with another try-scoring performance, while Ollie Lawrence’s powerful running style could prove valuable if utilized correctly.
“The 15 penalties conceded by England in Tokyo will be a concern, as discipline will be paramount against the world-class All Blacks.”
Nonetheless, Borthwick’s side can travel to New Zealand with confidence, buoyed by their comprehensive victory over the Brave Blossoms.
The highly anticipated two-Test series against the All Blacks promises to be a true test of England’s mettle and their ability to take the next step on the international stage.
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