Joseph scores record-equalling five tries in England's rout of Japan

England had prioritised rapid starts for this autumn and they attacked Japan with enthusiasm, initiating a dominance that only eased well after the win was guaranteed. Joseph, who was selected to provide the speed and strength missing following Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's injury, made an impact almost instantly.

Feyi-Waboso saw a second-minute try disallowed by the Television Match Official during the previous weekend's victory over Australia. When referee Damian Schneider consulted the video official after Joseph scored in a comparable manner, it appeared threatening for the Gloucester player. However, he had no reason for concern.

There was no fault in England's approach before he raced past Riku Kitahara and Warner Dearns to score. In reality, the hosts performed well, with Pollock gaining ground and Ojomoh's precise mis-pass creating an opening. It was instead Japan second row Harry Hockings who had hit Ellis Genge with a shoulder to the head.

Hockings, who was upright during the impact, received a 20-minute red card following a review. His side, who struggled to handle England even with a full side, fell apart. England added another four tries during the powerplay, while Eddie Jones, who coached England for nearly seven years from 2016, appeared increasingly grim-faced in the coaches box.

England's forward strength was a clear advantage to utilise. Genge flattened number eight Jack Cornelsen during a powerful charge towards the line. Strong carries from George Martin and Asher Opoku-Fordjour created an ideal platform for Freddie Steward to push past Kitahara for a score.

Ben Earl was at the base of a powerful driving maul that resulted in a 49-10 scoreline by half-time, and Martin forced his way over from close range early in the second half. Joseph secured an interception to claim his record-equalling fifth try, jogging in while his brother and former England centre Jonathan Joseph watched from his pitchside role as an in-stadium presenter.

Marcus Smith received a rare opportunity to play at fly-half after coming on for Ford on 57 minutes. With the match becoming fragmented and replacements affecting the flow, it was difficult for the Harlequin to establish much structure, yet he moved smoothly past an onrushing tackler to get on the scoresheet.

Last year's win against New Zealand was a highlight of head coach Steve Borthwick's tenure. England entered the autumn as underdogs for this year's rematch, but the performances of the teams this weekend indicate those odds are shortening, and perhaps shifting in the hosts' favour.