2. Over-Kicking Insistence is Self-Destructive
Both sides presented a modern criticism amongst modern day rugby, as England and Japan frequently preferred to kick the ball away instead of orchestrating an attack. Boos rang out around the stadium as Alex Mitchell insisted on putting boot to ball, with unambitious box kicks over the Japan defenders. Such kicks are often reserved as a ‘get out of jail’ option to clear the lines, however, England especially went to the boot far too many times, and even kicked the ball away when they are in the Japanese final third.
England seemed to rush whenever they were slightly out of position, and instead of running a few phases and re-gathering their composure, Mitchell or Ford would send the ball sailing down-field. The quality on display was far less than the aggressive go-forward approach of the side that took on Argentina. England’s worst offence came in the 61st minute, with Jonny May desperately calling for the ball yet Joe Marchant decided to kick the ball away, without even a look at the heavy overlap on the wing.
George Ford did eventually utilise the boot well, as he did against Argentina. His best work was the cross-field-kick, that provided the assist for Freddie Steward’s try. A pinpoint nudge to the fullback was one of the better open-play efforts from the boot, as the Sale Shark supplied the ammunition for the Leicester man’s try.
3. Japan Adopt the Ford Philosophy
England fly-half George Ford began proceedings against Japan, in the same fashion that he closed out the match against Argentina. The tactic early in the contest was to tick the score-board over against the Brave Blossoms, with Ford getting the first points for Steve Borthwick’s side after just three minutes. Ford nailed his first two attempts at the sticks, yet added an uncharacteristic miss to his record on the 29th minute.
Japan mirrored England’s tactics, as they opted to take a shot at goal after winning a penalty. Despite England’s discipline improving from over the Summer, Japan were more than within touching distance in the first half thanks to the sharpshooting of Rikiya Matsuda. Japan edged within one score after 54 minutes, with questions again asked about England’s mindset and discipline in defence. 13-12 with 38% position just before the hour mark, Japan’s clinical responses were rewarded whilst England waisted their time with ball in hand.
4. England Capitalise on Japan Errors
A key area where England prospered, was how quick they were to react to errors made by the Brave Blossoms. The humid conditions made it a greasy surface, with the ball spilled loose often to a dark blue jersey. Flanker Lewis Ludlam capitalised on a Japan mistake to gift England their first try of the contest. Ollie Chessum was fastest to react to a fumbled Japan line-out, with the ball spilled close to the Japanese try-line.
What followed was Ludlam being driven over from close range, as England established a four-point lead in the first half. George Ford started off the second half with a kick into the back field, as he identified the weak mis-management in the Japan back-three. Japan are amongst the emerging ‘tier two’ nations, yet presented their shortcomings in the second half against England. They lacked direction when England scored through Lawes, and relied on sporadic individual breaks from the likes of Matsushima and Nakamura.