England secured a hard-fought victory in the Rugby World Cup, but it was far from a flawless performance as they defeated Japan 34-12 in a scrappy encounter in Nice.
The match began with high expectations, but the first half was marred by numerous errors from the England side. Lewis Ludlam managed to force his way over for a try, but it was the only try in a half filled with mistakes from the English team.
Rikiya Matsuda’s precise kicking kept Japan within reach, and at 13-12 early in the second half, it seemed like an upset could be on the cards. However, fortune favored England as a fortuitous try from captain Courtney Lawes, after the ball rebounded off Joe Marler’s head, provided some breathing space.
Freddie Steward added to England’s tally with a well-executed try, effectively ending any hopes of a Japanese comeback similar to their famous win over South Africa in 2015. Joe Marchant sealed the deal with a late try in the final moments of the game.
However, despite the win, it was a performance that failed to impress. England’s play was riddled with mistakes in both attack and defense, leading to frustration among fans in the crowd. The decision to opt for penalty kicks instead of going for more tries drew jeers from the spectators.
England’s only try in the first half came as a result of a Japanese error, emphasizing the lack of accuracy from the English side. Japan, on the other hand, capitalized on England’s mistakes with successful penalties by Matsuda, keeping the score close.
But England managed to find their way out of tight spots, with Lawes’ try breaking the back of Japan’s challenge. Steward’s impressive gather and try further solidified their lead, and Marchant’s late score added some gloss to the scoreboard.
While there were positive aspects, such as Ben Earl’s exceptional performance in tackles and meters gained, as well as George Ford’s leadership in the backline, the overall performance left much to be desired. England will need significant improvement in their upcoming matches against Chile and Samoa to be competitive in the knockout stages of the tournament.
In the end, the victory may have put England closer to the quarter-finals, but it did little to convince the tournament’s main contenders, like France, Ireland, and South Africa, that England is operating at their level. England’s journey in the Rugby World Cup continues, but they have work to do to match the standards set by their rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about rugby World Cup England performance
What was the final score in the England vs. Japan Rugby World Cup match?
England defeated Japan with a final score of 34-12 in the Rugby World Cup.
Who scored the tries for England in the game?
England’s tries were scored by Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes, Freddie Steward, and Joe Marchant.
What were the key turning points in the match?
The key turning points included Lewis Ludlam’s try in the first half, Rikiya Matsuda’s precise kicking for Japan, and a fortuitous try by Courtney Lawes after a ball rebounded off Joe Marler’s head.
How did England’s performance in this match compare to their previous games?
England’s performance in this match was marred by errors in both attack and defense, which differed from their previous games. The decision to opt for penalty kicks instead of pursuing more tries also drew criticism from fans.
Who were the standout players for England in this game?
Ben Earl put in an exceptional performance, leading in both tackles and meters gained. George Ford’s leadership in the backline was also noteworthy.
What does this victory mean for England’s prospects in the Rugby World Cup?
This victory puts England in a good position for the quarter-finals, but it also highlighted the need for significant improvement to compete with top-tier teams like France, Ireland, and South Africa.
What challenges lie ahead for England in the tournament?
England will face challenges in their upcoming matches against Chile and Samoa. They need to improve their performance to be competitive in the knockout stages.
More about rugby World Cup England performance
- Rugby World Cup Official Website
- BBC Sport – England Rugby
- The Guardian – Rugby World Cup News
- ESPN – Rugby News
- Official England Rugby Website
5 comments
england’s win, but not impressin’ at all. lotsa errors, meh.
Ford leadin’ the line, but why not go for more trys?
Ludlam’s try was awsum, lawes’ try lucky tho.
japn put up a good fight, england needs to step up!
england got work to do if they wanna beat the big guns.