England crush Japan 78-15 as Joseph scores five tries
England crush Japan 78-15; Joseph scores five tries

Will Joseph scored a record-equalling five tries as England's fringe players impressed in a 78-15 demolition of Japan at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.

Steve Borthwick's side followed up their biggest-ever win over Australia with a ruthless display, taking less than half an hour to reach seven tries and leading 49-10 at half-time.

Joseph stars on return

Joseph opened the scoring within a minute, completed his hat-trick after 19 minutes and added two more by the 55th, marking his first England appearance in four years in devastating fashion.

He now shares the record for most tries in a single game by an England player with Henry Arundell, Josh Lewsey, Rory Underwood and Douglas Lambert.

Japan reduced to 14 men

Japan were reduced to 14 men after Harry Hockings' first-minute yellow card for a high hit on Ellis Genge was upgraded to a 20-minute red.

Eddie Jones' young side were overpowered by England's pace and physicality, with the hosts dominating in the air and at the breakdown.

World Cup auditions

Joseph and Max Ojomoh are both competing for places in Borthwick's World Cup squad, and their performances against Japan will not have hurt their chances.

England showed 10 changes from the Australia match, some injury-enforced, and pressed home their dominance emphatically despite the early dismissal advantage.

The win sets up next weekend's Nations Championship clash with New Zealand, who suffered a historic first defeat to Wales since 1953.