England vs Japan LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as much-improved England seal big win

England 52-13 Japan: Eddie Jones’s side were rampant in scoring seven tries

England were much improved against Japan at Twickenham (Getty Images)

England put last week’s ragged defeat by Argentina firmly behind them when they ran in six tries, plus a penalty try, and played some highly entertaining rugby along the way to overwhelm Japan 52-13 at Twickenham.

Full-back Freddie Steward was the star of the first half as he claimed the opening try and had a hand in scores for Guy Porter and Marcus Smith as England led 24-6 at the break and stretched that lead in the second half through Ellis Genge and Porter.

England lost their way for 20 minutes, allowing Naoto Saito to score Japan’s only try, before a penalty try and a second from Smith finished things off for the hosts. Owen Farrell landed all six conversion attempts as well as an early penalty.

England, who will play Japan again in the pool stage of the World Cup next September, face New Zealand next week, before finishing their autumn internationals against South Africa. Japan, who pushed France and New Zealand close in their previous two games, play France again next Sunday.

Relive all the action from Twickenham with our blog:

England vs Japan latest updates

• FOLLOW LIVE COVERAGE OF WALES VS ARGENTINA
• FULL-TIME! England 52-13 Japan
• 74’ - TRY! Smith collects Slade’s kick and touches down (ENG 52-13 JPN)
• 70’ - TRY! Penalty try for England after a side entry from Japan (ENG 45-13 JPN)
• 59’ - TRY! Saito dots down after good offload (ENG 38-13 JPN)
• 50’ - TRY! Porter wins a foot-race to Farrell’s kick for his second try (ENG 38-6 JPN)
• 48’ - TRY! Genge powers through defenders for the score (ENG 31-6 JPN)
• 40’ - TRY! Porter finishes off move in the corner (ENG 24-6 JPN)
• 24’ - TRY! Smith scores after a brilliant England counter (ENG 17-0 JPN)
• 12’ - TRY! Steward scythes over after a set-play from a lineout maul (ENG 10-0 JPN)

[12 November 2022 18:52 · Luke Baker]

WATCH: Williams gets charge-down score

Here’s how Tomos Williams got his try out of nothing:

[12 November 2022 18:52 · Luke Baker]

Wales 17-6 Argentina, 58 mins

Carreras has a go down the blind side as Argentina move within five metres of the line. But it’s DROPPED! Wales hold firm again as Matera slips and spills the ball.

[12 November 2022 18:51 · Luke Baker]

SIN BIN! WALES 17-6 Argentina, (Rowlands, 56 mins)

Not what Wales needed. Another penalty given away and Will Rowlands is sin-binned. He was clearly on the floor but reaches out and slaps the ball out of Betranou’s hands.

Needless and it means his team will be down to 14 for the next 10 minutes.

[12 November 2022 18:49 · Luke Baker]

Wales 17-6 Argentina, 55 mins

Matera has a go at getting to the line before Gonzalez drives but he’s held up over the line. Great defence by Wales and we’ll have a water break.

A couple more changes as Rhys Preistland on for Anscombe, while Facundo Isa on for the Pumas.

[12 November 2022 18:47 · Luke Baker]

Wales 17-6 Argentina, 54 mins

Sloppy at the lineout by Wales though, not for the first time, as Owens overthrows his man and Matera seizes upon it.

Dillon Lewis pinged for going off his feet and the Pumas go to the corner again. Maul is well defended by Wales, so they spread the ball to the backs.

[12 November 2022 18:44 · Luke Baker]

Wales 17-6 Argentina, 52 mins

Wales miss touch with the penalty but soon win another at the breakdown - great stuff by Justin Tipuric leading the charge.

Change for Wales as Tompkins heads off, with Owen Watkin coming on.

[12 November 2022 18:43 · Luke Baker]

Wales 17-6 Argentina, 51 mins

Eduardo Bello is also on, so it’s an all-new front row for the Pumas.

They kick the penalty to the corner, set up the maul and get within a couple of metres from the line but great breakdown work by Adam Beard who jackals to win the penalty. Top stuff from the lock.

[12 November 2022 18:41 · Luke Baker]

Wales 17-6 Argentina, 49 mins

Ignacio Ruiz and Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro on in the front row for Argentina. They’re straight into a scrum and the Pumas win a penalty from it.

[12 November 2022 18:38 · Luke Baker]

TRY! WALES 17-6 Argentina, (Williams, 46 mins)

Out of nowhere, Wales have another try!

A bit of nothing kick from Williams is easily gathered by Mallia but he dithers and that allows the scrum half to charge down his return kick. It careers towards the try line, Williams chases and dots down for the score. A bit of luck perhaps but Wales will take it.

Anscombe adds the extras and Wales have a healthy lead

[12 November 2022 18:36 · Luke Baker]

Wales 10-6 Argentina, 45 mins

Heavy carry by Rowlands and Wales then run a few more phases to steadily gain ground. Wales preferring to go down the blindside but Thomas shows his props hands as he knocks on to end the attack.

Worth saying, Rees-Zammit is looking solid at 15 so far.