Japan v England Review - June Rugby Test 2024

Japan vs England June 2024 Rugby Match Review: Key Events, Stats & Opinions
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Japan: 15 Yoshitaka Yazaki, 14 Jone Naikabula, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Tomoki Osada, 11 Koga Nezuka, 10 Seungsin Lee, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Faulua Makisi, 7 Tiennan Costley, 6 Michael Leitch, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Sanaila Waqa, 3 Shuhei Takeuchi, 2 Mamoru Harada, 1 Takayoshi Mohara
Replacements: 16 Atsushi Sakate, 17 Shogo Miura, 18 Keijiro Tamefusa, 19 Amanaki Saumaki, 20 Kai Yamamoto, 21 Shinobu Fujiwara, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Samisoni Tua
England: 15 George Furbank, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 11 Tommy Freeman, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 5 George Martin, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Jamie George (c), 1 Bevan Rodd
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Harry Randall, 22 Fin Smith, 23 Tom Roebuck
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[@tomorrow3582]

When people say England are talking themselves up and saying ABs are there for the taking I don't think that's a fair representation of what is actually being said. Every critic I've seen voicing this rhetoric has also said that winning in NZ is incredibly difficult regardless and that England have a huge challenge ahead of them. I totally agree.. This is the best opportunity we've had to win matches in NZ for a long time, we've got some good form and we're going up against a new look ABs side but that doesn't mean we're expecting to win. We have absolute respect for the ABs and it's going to take a huge performance to win even one match let alone two.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man I reckon it'll be a great series, with NZ still favourites. But wouldn't shock me to see an English win (two might shock me 😅)

[@expressoevangelism80]

The build up of that beautiful Marcus Smith try was great to see. After so many years of little or no constructive play from our No10, we have a glimmer of hope at last. A few areas of Hope dotted throughout the team, but obviously it was like a practice game. The reality will show up in the next match.

[@tomorrow3582]

Yeah tired of idiots saying Smith isn't an international. The only opportunities he's been given previously have been in a side hellbent on kicking away possession even from turnovers and prime attacking positions and Farrell at outside centre calling all the shots! He's not been given anything close to a fair crack of the whip and I hope he's given some time to develop. It's taken Finn Russell a long time to become the world class ten he is today. Smith is a talent we need to nurture.

[@expressoevangelism80]

@@tomorrow3582 I thought my son and I were the only ones who never appreciated Farrell. It’s nice to know there is someone else out there. He was certainly good for Saracens, but those skills never translated to the international pitch, just like Dombrandt with Harlequins. I wonder what we’ll do in NZ?

[@tomorrow3582]

@@expressoevangelism80believe me I feel your frustration, Farrell's constant presence in the England side has tested my faith over the last few years. I commend his commitment and leadership but he has never been a world class flyhalf in my eyes. He does some things very well but his inability to play heads-up rugby has held England back and it's no coincidence that England have suddenly found how to attack immediately following his departure. It's not just his personal contribution but the strength of his character which was interwoven with the DNA of the England team, it's been Farrell's way or the highway for a long time, other voices or styles have not been welcome. The most shining example of that was watching Danny Cipriani playing fly half against the Springboks and barely getting his hands on the ball while Farrell stood at first receiver and later screaming at him while he put in the try scoring kick at the death. Smith and Ford likewise have been unable to reach their full potential with him looming over them or being forced to play 12 with him managing the game outside them whilst offering no attacking option himself. Because Faz can't run and he wants to be the star of the show he incessantly kicks away possession regardless of the situation, even from turnovers where the defence is out of position or we're in the opposing red zone he will put in these pointless grubber kicks which do very little but turn over possession and prevent us from building any phases. He's probably a good bloke despite his sometimes childish antics and he could have been a world class backrow had he gone down that path but being the prodigal son he became a flyhalf and he doesn't have the instinct for it. The rigid parts of the game which involve effort and skill that can be rehearsed he excels at but he doesn't have the level of creativity required to be the playmaker for a team who want to win world cups, we just scored too many 3s in situations where the ABs, France, Ireland and Boks were scoring 7s. This has been so obvious for so long and listening to all the pundits shower him in praise for the last decade has worn my patience thin. Hopefully now that we've seen how we're capable of attacking in his absence, we can finally move on... I really like watching Dombrandt play for Quins, reminds me of Sergio Perisse but he seems to go missing for England. I don't blame him, I wouldn't want to stick my bonce in those places either but he's going to have to decide if he really wants to play for England or not because it feels like he's sort of going through the motions at the moment and not really wanting to be there.

[@khankake9576]

Anyone know why the National Anthem was sung at last night's Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final? Thought it was only performed at Internationals

[@simon.hughes3009]

Yes, international's and Super rugby & Npc finals do play The National anthem in new zealand rugby

[@jstone5239]

Can you do your predicted ABs XV? Will he rely heavily on players he knows from a sub-par Crusaders team? Or does he pack in the league winning Blues? I saw a NZ pundit say that Robertson should play a power game based upon Blues team. I’m not sure an out of character power game is what would worry England…

[@Mark_Kiwi]

So looking forward to seeing England in NZ. Don't think I can make a game, but will be in country!

[@connorsmith5924]

Whens your blues video coming out?

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Out now man ;)

[@derekreed6798]

Both Eng and NZ have a chance to win the game as it hasn't started yet😂. Eng have improved incredibly and their last 2 matches (before Japan) should not be ignored, esp France in a tiny stadium in the South of France with a 90% vociferous French crowd baying for blood; they almost won that game except for a 50/50 decision by the ref at the end. It's also great to see them play for 80mins in a first game in a long time, against Japan. The only issue Eng have is their front 3 where they may get problems in the scrum.

[@timmo491]

Good review. Japan came in a bit more 2nd H which England played more or less entirely with 14 men (Smith, Ewells)

[@therugbynoise2116]

Hard out looking forward to the blues final review 💙💙💙😀😀💪💯

[@TwoCentsRugby]

I am watching the game now cos my seat yesterday was a bit shite, lol

[@therugbynoise2116]

@@TwoCentsRugby yea I kinda of thought that was the case 💯👍 (the game not the seats 😁)

[@charlottescott7150]

​@@TwoCentsRugbyoh that is such a shame Mark!

[@TwoCentsRugby]

@charlottescott7150 at least we were under cover ;)

[@Jon-bk2yw]

Probably England will provide a serious enough challenge to the abs,imo the all blacks will be a bit too good for England though i do think that the two tests will be ideal preparation for the abs going into the rugby championship

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah should be a cracking couple of games. Agree though NZ will be good for having a strong team come down

[@timmo491]

not sure why you think abs will be stronger than England not been the case last 5 yrs

[@Jon-bk2yw]

@@timmo491 probably because of home advantage

[@timmo491]

@@Jon-bk2yw for sure it's an advantage

[@Forcez89]

@@timmo491you’ve one 1 game against us in 12 and a half years but ok 😂😂

[@Wolfsong27FlyHalfFullHeart]

As much as I’m proud of my boys I have to say the higher ups in charge of Japan are now nothing but money grabbers dangling a carrot in front of Eddie jones and jones tries the tap and go game who fail miserably, England played them at their own game and were far better, although I will say japans scrum and line outs were far better then their territory game, it’s upsetting to see Japan fall off like this after beating the likes of Scotland Ireland and South Africa, either way I’m happy for England love to see them fly onto the all blacks

[@dulls8475]

I think you read to much into it. With the player base they will have to choose when they peak. More depth more you can aim to peak at world cups etc. They are always good at world cups.

[@-NemoMeImpuneLacessit]

A decent performance against a developing Japanese side. Lets be honest, it was a warm up game for next week! The two matches against New Zealand will expose a lot of young England players to a type and level of rugby many haven't faced before. Experience of away trips to the southern hemisphere are big learning curves ( usually) for visitors. The Japanese werevery quick to obey the referees instructions such as roll away a little cultural compliance maybe? The All Blacks a very different prospect, much higher levels of competency, aggression and cynicism than Japan. To get anywhere near their levels England need to be absolutely at it. I don't envisage us getting a result but the experience will be invaluable for players like Cunningham-South and Feyi-Woboso( a pair of outstanding atheletes)

[@sakabula2357]

Agree..yet to see Marcus step up agianst the big nations...

[@gezzarandom]

Eddie looks like he has a big job on his hands in rebuilding this Japan team. As you said I don’t know why Japan tried to play up the jersey rugby against a strong England pack.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man hopefully he picks up on some up and comers from the Japanese ranks, cos the squad was getting a bit old under JJ's last year from memory

[@9Charcot]

I enjoy your reviews. Thanks for the effort. It was no more than a reasonable training hit out for England but helpful in identifying the work ons. You can only play what's in front of you. Intensity and quality will go up a few notches against NZ and I expect two cracking test matches. NZ will be deserving favourites but it will a be good experience for both sides as they rebuild. I expect it will be closer than some people think. A good result for England will be 1 win out of 2. 2 out of 2 would be exceptional but unthinkable😜. 2 close losses behind good performances would be bearable at this stage but not ideal and hard to swallow....Ewels is not an intentionally dirty player and a decent lad by all accounts but not cut out for this level....this will most likely be the end of his international journey ....30 plus caps and has never performed and a huge liability....

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Cheers man yeah NZ will be a different beast - but I reckon the series could well be a cracker. Especially because we're not really sure how things will go under Razor

[@kelbatt7729]

England could catch ABS out at Dunedin. But, Beating the All Blacks at Fortress Eden? well that's another story. Unbeaten there in Pro Rugby era.

[@9Charcot]

Yes I have no doubt about that. I was just commenting on what potentially success could look like for England. Pushing the ABs close in two tests behind strong attacking performances would be ok at this stage in the sides development. Of course on the day marginal refereeing decisions and cards could have a major influence on the outcome for either side. Bring it on is what I say😛👍

[@khankake9576]

What are the Blues chances of successfully defending the title in 2025?

[@TwoCentsRugby]

They should still be top 4 aye....

[@Canvashed]

Decent run out by England, if one area England could have success against the ABs its the back five in the pack.

[@phyllomedusatomopterna6719]

Considering this was sort of a Japanese development squad, I think they did ok (wasn't expecting too much anyways). Eddie has his issues but I do trust his eye for rugby talent.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man hopefully Eddie brings out some of the talent. Jamie Joseph got called out by people more in the know than me - for not utilizing the Japanese talent coming through and more relying on imports towards the end of his time in Japan

[@phyllomedusatomopterna6719]

Yeah most of the standout players during 2019 were players that eddie picked and developed (fukuoka, himeno, matsushima etc). Really hoping he can find the next generation of local talent.

[@Wolfsong27FlyHalfFullHeart]

Eddie is out of touch he’s playing like it’s 2009 it’s 2024 the tap a go game won’t work against a tier 1 nation

[@michaelshanahan4042]

Not the best preparation for NZ But we will see 😊

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Better prep than a loss a guess 😅

[@timrobinson2587]

We need to stop giving possession away and carry the ball. Smith was bang on with that kick to waboso

[@thefyoogs]

Thanks for a great review

[@TwoCentsRugby]

My pleasure!

[@adrianstarphish7644]

Nice warm up for ABs !!! Bring it!

[@charlottescott7150]

Not sure what to make of this. A very inexperienced Japan team didnt do that bad in reality. A few important mistakes at key times seemes to cause the blowout and a more experienced team wouldn't have those mistakes. Ewels! WTF was he trying to do? ,😡

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah encouraging signs for England in a lot of areas - but still I feel like NZ will be a different story

[@braaitongs]

Why was jonnhy may not playing for england?

[@gezzarandom]

He retired from International rugby last year.

[@andrews1289]

As an English supporter I'm hoping we can catch the AB's cold in the first test. Any win in NZ would be huge.

[@gezzarandom]

We (Ireland) thought that too in 2022, and got massacred in the first test. 😂

[@andrews1289]

@gezzarandom Eden park was the first test from memory. Just don't loose there 😬

[@WalsallGooner]

The main talking point back home after the match was the decent performance by Marcus Smith, be it the dodge of a yellow card, oh and Charlie Ewels, the majority don’t ever want to see him play in an England jersey ever again.

[@michaelstevens1004]

Eddie jones is overrated his time is done

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Hopefully he can spot some of the talent coming though the Japanese league, but yeah a bit of a hiding to start

[@Valhalla88888]

England need to play a REAL Team like Africa, France, New Zealand.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

All Blacks in a couple weeks ;)

[@subbie5498]

isn't it like next week

[@hyksos74]

@@subbie5498 No. 6th & 13th July.

[@Wolfsong27FlyHalfFullHeart]

You keep saying this bruv but last I checked England drew against the all blacks last time they faced off so don’t count your chickens before they hatched

[@expressoevangelism80]

It’s good to have a practice, to sharpen up and learn, before applying it all to a real test.

[@Saiyan4eva]

What's your thoughts on this England team bro is it as good as what some pome rugby critics say? As they're already talking it up on other KZbin channels & podcasts that Abs are there for the taking & many of them didn't even watch the Super semis or know alot about our talent coming through such is they're arrogance but I for one cannot wait for this new exciting era under Razor & what he can do! Bring it oooon England... #AllBlackseverything ⚡🖤🖤⚡💪🏼💪🏼😝

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man they're a good side aye - coach seems to be largely picking on form, mix of experience and youth

[@axisfolate4300]

Not many of us England fans really expect anything other than a 2-0 win for NZ. Yes, you've lost a lot of experience, but you're the All Blacks! It might be England's best chance for a win in NZ since 2003, but that doesn't mean it'll actually happen.

[@Wolfsong27FlyHalfFullHeart]

Bloody hell man have some confidence both sides have new blood this is the best time for England to win against the all blacks I say it can go either way can’t wait to see who draws first blood

[@dulls8475]

Sorry where are England arrogant? Possibly you are arrogant for calling England arrogant?

[@Saiyan4eva]

@@dulls8475 NH critics not interested in Super rugby finals is one example & not knowing many of our talent coming through is another as I've heard & seen on other KZbin channels & podcasts! England rugby critics talking themselves up then stating how Abs are there for the taking from what I've been seeing recently is another example!

[@TshepisoMasubelele]

This is going to sound weird but let’s give Japan 2 years most of those players were playing their first international match against a very experienced English team

[@TwoCentsRugby]

100% man - England are very much a couple of steps ahead at the moment. Eddie very much starting a new phase/rebuilding the squad