England host Japan at Twickenham this afternoon in rugby's Nations Championship, with the hosts chasing a fourth consecutive victory following their record-breaking win over Australia. Eddie Jones returns to the ground where he once coached England, aiming to lead the Brave Blossoms to a first-ever win over their opponents.
Record Rout Builds Momentum
England's 45-point haul against the Wallabies last weekend was the most they have ever scored against Australia, with seven tries sealing a statement performance. The result eased pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick and followed a difficult build-up centred on reports of a rift in camp.
The players pledged to come out fighting for Borthwick and delivered, making it three wins in a row after summer victories over Fiji and Argentina. Japan, meanwhile, pushed Wales close in Cardiff last weekend and will look to build on that display.
Team News and Jones Mind Games
Borthwick has made 10 changes to the side that thrashed Australia, with Henry Pollock, Max Ojomoh and Will Joseph among those handed starts. Jones has been playing mind games in the build-up, saying his team want the "sky to fall in" at Twickenham as they target a first-ever win over England.
Kick-off is at 4.40pm GMT at Twickenham, with England using the match as a warm-up for next weekend's showdown with New Zealand. The much-changed side will aim to send another message in attack ahead of finals weekend on home soil.
