TOKYO: Marcus Smith gave an all-action first-half performance as England thrashed Japan 52-17 in Tokyo on Saturday ahead of two Tests against the All Blacks. Preferred at fly-half to Fin Smith, the Harlequins playmaker scored a try and set up Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Slade for two more before the break against an inexperienced Japan side coached by former England boss Eddie Jones. Chandler Cunningham-South also scored on his first Test start, while Alex Mitchell, Ben Earl, Harry Randall and Sam Underhill crossed the line in the second half.
Charlie Ewels was red-carded at the death for the visitors. “I’m really pleased with the result, I thought the application of the players was really excellent,” said England head coach Steve Borthwick. “Clearly, late in the game our cohesion broke up a little against a very fast, skillful Japanese team who took their chances at the end of the game really well.
” England will face the All Blacks in Dunedin on July 6 and Auckland on July 13. England’s number 10 shirt is up for grabs on the tour, with Owen Farrell ineligible after deciding to continue his club career in France and George Ford injured. After England had started slowly, Smith staked his claim in impressive fashion, gliding through the Japan defense after a line-out midway through the first half for a stylish try.
The 25-year-old then turned provider, picking out Feyi-Waboso for a try with a long pass before kicking into space to set up Slade after the half-time.
