England entered the climax of the Autumn Nations series against Eddie Jones’s Japan with a 100 per cent record in the match, which spanned five Tests and began in 1987.
Here, the PA news agency explores five talking points heading into Sunday’s Allianz Stadium showdown.
Finish college
England face the easiest game of the autumn against a Japanese team that has fallen to 13th place in the world rankings. Steve Borthwick’s men are 1/80 favorites to end their five-Test losing streak and any other result would be an upset of seismic proportions. After a bleak look at New Zealand, Australia and South Africa storming Twickenham this month, only a comprehensive victory and a confident performance will put to rest the debate over whether England are in crisis. But with Ireland on top in the Six Nations, it could soon start again.
Kari is coming back
Tom Curry’s selection against Japan a fortnight after he was dropped against Australia raised eyebrows. While the Sale defender was medically cleared to take part after completing a 12-stand sandbox, this latest concussion is his second this season and fifth in two years. Was it necessary for the established 55-cap Test star, whose fearless style of play hurts more than most, to come up against the weakest opposition of the autumn? It is a sign of the pressure England are under to end a disappointing run with a blow that they will field their strongest available starting XV against Japan – curry included.
A look into the future
England hope to unearth a gem as Asher Opoku-Fordjour makes his debut from the substitutes’ bench. Big things are expected of the Sale prop, who won the Under-20 World Cup in the summer and has been talked about by veteran front-rowers Dan Cole and Joe Marler. Borthwick impressed with his dynamic play in a loose, standard qualifier and ability to play on both sides of the scrum, making him particularly valuable in a World Cup squad. With England’s depth in support a problem area, particularly in tight ends, Opoku-Fordjour’s arrival could have been well timed.
Eddie is back
Jones has been unavailable for online media duties this week due to a cold, but the Japan boss will be able to take part in his first game against England at Twickenham. The Australian’s absence – described by his assistant Neal Hatley as a “precautionary measure” – comes as his management style comes under intense scrutiny following claims by Danny Care that he oversaw a “toxic” environment during his seven years at the company. responsibility of England. Care added that Jones behaved like a “bully” and Danny Cipriani has since supported his view. Jones has yet to respond to the allegations and on Sunday will be given an insight into his standing among Red Rose fans through an admission.
Japan with a turbo
“They are a team that never lets you rest, never gives you a moment to turn your back,” is the assessment of Japan offered by England assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge. It is a reference to the ‘Chosoku rugby’ style of play adopted by Jones, which emphasizes speed in attack and a willingness to hit from anywhere on the pitch. They reached the final of the Pacific Nations Cup in September, but were beaten 41-17 by Fiji. They have since sent 116 points to underpowered New Zealand and France sides, ending a heavy losing streak with a 36-20 win over Uruguay last Saturday.