England crush Eddie Jones' Japan to end losing run

England ended their five-Test losing run by crushing Eddie Jones' Japan 59-14 at Allianz Stadium in an upbeat finish to an otherwise disappointing second year for Steve Borthwick.

A 35-7 interval lead generated by five tries, including two from captain Jamie George, built a commanding position and there was no let up in the second-half with Luke Cowan-Dickie crossing twice as Japan’s line was breached four more times.

England were sharp and efficient, taking their chances when they arose and showing variety in attack, but routing opponents ranked 13th in the world papers over the cracks of an autumn that has seen the team go backwards.

New Zealand, Australia and South Africa had already stormed Twickenham to place Borthwick under pressure heading into the Six Nations, with his record for 2024 reading five victories in 12 matches.

Ireland in Dublin are their next assignment and this romp has at least lifted the heavy burden of the five-game losing run that registered the nation’s worst sequence of results since 2018.

Jones was in charge of England then and the Australian’s return to Twickenham two years afters he was sacked was another uncomfortable experience as his Japan side were overwhelmed with predictable ease.

The onslaught began as early as the ninth minute when Marcus Smith and Henry Slade combined to send Ollie Lawrence charging into space with Ben Earl in support to take the scoring pass.

England, playing in their red change jerseys, made ground with every attack and the alarm bells started ringing for Japan when Sam Underhill forced his way over following muscular work from his pack.

Underhill was injured while carrying the ball over the line, ending his afternoon, and the one-way traffic continued with England