Freddie Steward, author of the third English essay. VALERY HACHE / AFP
In a not very exciting match, England ended up taking the offensive bonus after the siren (34-12).
A week after its victory over Argentina, theEngland comfortably beat Japan (34-12) this Sunday evening in Nice. At the end of a match poor in chances and messy, the XV de la Rose took an important option on qualification, before facing Chile in Lille.
The first period was very sad. Excellent against Argentina (27 points scored), George Ford scored the first three points before Matsuda responded with two kicks (14e23e). Realistically, Maro Itoje’s teammates scored the first try of the match through flanker Lewis Ludlam (24e), in strength. After a new penalty from Matsuda (32e), Ford allowed his team to have a four-point lead over the Lemons.
Marchant offers the offensive bonus
In the second half, the Japanese opener brought his team back to one point with a new penalty (54e). But two minutes later, Lawes, in confusion, scored his team’s second try. At this moment, the XV de la Rose made the first break of the match. Despite a dangerous action on the hour mark following a long ride from Matsushima, Ford once again stood out.
With 15 minutes to go, the opener played a marvelous left-footed p for Steward. The rear flattened and allowed his team to take off (69e). On the last offensive of the match, Joe Marchant, the future three-quarter center of Stade Français, pierced the Japanese defense and scored the offensive bonus try. England face Chile next week in Lille.