Will Joseph marked his return to Test rugby after a four-year absence by scoring five tries, equalling an England record, as England overwhelmed Japan in a one-sided contest on Saturday. The 23-year-old wing's feat places him alongside Douglas Lambert, Rory Underwood, Josh Lewsey and Henry Arundell as the only England players to achieve the milestone in a single match.
A Remarkable Comeback
Joseph's journey back to the international stage has been anything but straightforward. He made his debut as a teenager against Australia in 2021, but since then has faced numerous challenges, including the financial collapse of his boyhood club London Irish, a frustrating spell at Harlequins, and the loss of hearing in his left ear due to an autoimmune reaction. However, his outstanding early-season form for Gloucester earned him a recall, and he seized the opportunity with both hands, displaying relentless work-rate, intelligent positioning, and blistering pace.
England's Dominant First Half
England raced into a 32-3 lead within the first 20 minutes, effectively ending the contest early. The hosts ran in nine tries in total, with Joseph's five steals the show. Centre Max Ojomoh, making his first appearance since an impressive outing against Argentina a year ago, was instrumental in midfield, setting up Joseph's second and fourth tries with sharp breaks and slick distribution. Flanker Henry Pollock, in only his second start, carried strongly but struggled to make the same impact he has shown as a replacement. Greg Fisilau, coming off the bench, added intrigue to the back-row selection with two bone-crunching tackles and a determined try. Scrum-half Archie McParland also made his debut as a replacement.
Japan Overwhelmed
Japan, once known for their high-tempo, ball-in-hand style that troubled the world's top teams, were unable to find any rhythm. They were physically dominated and struggled to cope with England's intensity and precision. Their tries came from Warner Dearns and Shogo Helu, with Rikiya Saito adding a conversion and a penalty, but they were mere consolations on a difficult afternoon.
Looking Ahead
While England will be delighted with the performance, tougher challenges lie ahead. Next Saturday, they face New Zealand, who will be smarting from a defeat by Wales. Several frontline players are expected to return, and the coaching staff will have some selection dilemmas, particularly at fly-half, where George Ford's goal-kicking was slightly off, missing two conversions. Ford, however, managed the game well and will hope to retain the number 10 jersey. The match also provided valuable experience for newcomers like McParland and Fisilau, who will look to build on their performances.
For Joseph, this was a personal triumph that few could have predicted given his recent struggles. His five-try haul not only equalled a record but also served as a testament to his resilience and determination. As England set their sights on the All Blacks, Joseph's form will be crucial. If he can maintain this level, he could become a key figure in England's backline for years to come.
England's victory was comprehensive, but the true test of their progress will come against stronger opposition. The All Blacks will provide a stern challenge, and England will need to be at their best. For now, though, they can savour a job well done and celebrate a record-equalling performance from a player who has overcome adversity to shine on the international stage.
