5. Joe Marler Uses His Head
The Harlequin provided the all important header for Courtney Lawes’ surprising try. The refereeing team was left scratching their heads for a brief moment, before the laws were clarified in how Marler’s knock on was within the laws of the game, as the ball ricocheted off his iconic mohawk.
A try that seemingly changed the tune of the second half, England began to come into their own after Lawes’ try. Japan too responded to ignite the contest, as Kotaro Matsushima broke away at pace shortly after, and was brilliantly coined as the ‘bullet train’ after his direct running style. When Marler departed the pitch, he received a strong ovation from the travelling England faithful. Selected this week ahead of Ellis Genge, Marler made good on his opportunity with an unorthodox assist.
ENGLAND: 34
TRIES: 4 (Ludlam 26′, Lawes 58′, Steward 65′, Marchant 80′)
CONVERSIONS: 4 (Ford 26′, 58′ , 65′, 80)
PENALTIES: 2 (Ford 3′, 40′)
DROP GOALS: 0
YELLOW CARDS: 0
BUNKERS: 0
RED CARDS: 0
JAPAN: 12
TRIES: 0
CONVERSIONS: 0
PENALTIES: 3 (Matsuda 15′, 23′, 31, 55′)
DROP GOALS: 0
YELLOW CARDS: 0
BUNKERS: 0
RED CARDS: 0