Smith stars as England cruise past Japan in Tokyo

Japan (3) 17

Pen: Lee Try: Nezuka, Tua Con: Matsuda 2

England (26) 52

Tries: Cunningham-Smith, M Smith, Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Mitchell, Earl, Randall, Underhill Cons: M Smith 4, Slade 2

Marcus Smith boosted his chances of retaining England's number 10 jersey for their upcoming bid pinch New Zealand aft starring successful a comfortable triumph complete Japan.

The Harlequins fly-half scored 13 points, including a slick effort from a well-executed set-play move, arsenic England began their summertime circuit by overcoming Eddie Jones' broadside successful Tokyo.

Japan started brightly successful humid conditions arsenic Seungsin Lee's punishment handed them nan lead, but England soaked up nan early unit and deed backmost done a powerful decorativeness by Chandler Cunningham-Smith connected his first Test start.

Smith past came to nan fore arsenic he vanished disconnected a smart line-out regular to carve done nan Japanese midfield, earlier 2 moments of brilliance group up tries for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Slade.

A flimsy hold successful his walk complete nan apical for Feyi-Waboso caused capable uncertainty successful nan Japan defence for nan helping to people unopposed, earlier Slade crossed from nan aforesaid wide transmission arsenic Smith changed England's guidance of onslaught to onshore a pin-point crossfield footwear for his centre to claim.

Smith's half-back partner Alex Mitchell inflicted further harm connected nan hosts aft nan break pinch a snipe complete from adjacent scope earlier past turning supplier for Ben Earl to powerfulness complete aft different clever break.

The 1 antagonistic for Smith was his yellowish paper for an early tackle arsenic nan Brave Blossoms threatened to people their first try, but England quickly regained momentum erstwhile Harry Randall replaced Mitchell to utilization nan aforesaid Japanese frailties astatine nan fringes.

Japan's spirited capacity was rewarded pinch a mates of precocious consolation tries by Koga Nezuka and Samisoni Tua, but England had nan last opportunity arsenic Sam Underhill's effort took them to a half period of points.

England ended nan crippled pinch 14 players arsenic replacement fastener Charlie Ewels was sent disconnected for a cynical clear-out effort connected Japan skipper Michael Leitch.

More to follow.

Japan: Yazaki; Naikabula, Riley, Osada, Nezuka; Lee, Saito; Mohara, Harada, Takeuchi, Waqa, Dearns, Leitch (capt), Costley, Makisi.

Replacements: Sakate, Miura, Tamefusa, Saumaki, Yamamoto, Fujiwara, Matsuda, Tua.

England: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; M Smith, Mitchell; Rodd, George (capt), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Cunningham-South, Underhill, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Ewels, T Curry, Randall, F Smith, Roebuck.

Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)