England Gear Up for All Blacks Clash After Seven-Try Rout Over Japan

Match Prep And Rankings

England World Cup winner Matt Dawson backs head coach Steve Borthwick's side as favourites ahead of their upcoming match against New Zealand at Twickenham. England head into the fixture following a dominant 78-15 win over Japan, where winger Will Joseph scored a record-equalling five tries.

Squad Performances

Joseph scored within the first 65 seconds and added four more tries in the first 25 minutes before sealing a fifth after the interval, equalling the record set by Rory Underwood in 1989, Josh Lewsey in 2003, and Henry Arundell. The 13-try rout also followed an injury to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso against Australia which left a spot open on the left wing. Meanwhile, Max Ojomoh impressed at inside centre, bringing the exact toughness head coach Steve Borthwick wanted, while Seb Atkinson holds the number 12 shirt if fit.

All Blacks And Wales

Dawson believes England are playing a better style of rugby than New Zealand, calling the All Blacks' attack one-dimensional during their match in Cardiff. New Zealand were missing frontline players including Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, and Jordie Barrett. In that same Cardiff fixture, Wales ended a 73-year winless run against New Zealand with a historic 35-28 victory, outscoring the visitors five tries to four and making 346 tackles.

Context

Test rugby often sees heavy momentum swings between northern and southern hemisphere giants during the autumn international window. Success in these high-profile autumn fixtures builds crucial ranking points and squad depth ahead of future World Cups and international tournaments.