Rugby Union - Nations Championship - England v Japan - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, Britain - November 14, 2026 England's Will Joseph in action with Japan's Kazuma Ueda Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs Purchase Licensing Rights

England winger Will Joseph scored a record-equalling five tries ‌to lead his side to a runaway 78-15 Nations Championship win over Japan at Twickenham on Saturday.

Joseph was making only his second appearance for England, more than four years after his debut, and started ​his return with a try from his first touch inside the opening 65 ​seconds before adding three more in the first 25 minutes.

The 24-year-old ⁠scored a fifth with an intercept after the interval to equal the record set by Rory ​Underwood in 1989 and matched by Josh Lewsey in 2003 and Henry Arundell at the ​last World Cup.

England ran in 13 tries in a record score against Japan, and in the new Nations Championship competition.

There were also scores for Freddie Steward, Ellis Genge, Cadan Murley and Ben Earl in ​an eight-try spree in the first half and for George Martin, Ben Curry, Marcus ​Smith and Greg Fisilau after the break.

George Ford converted three tries and kicked a penalty and Henry ‌Slade ⁠added two conversions.

Warner Dearns and Helu Opeti claimed Japan’s tries, the first converted by Naoto Saito, who also put over a penalty.

Japan coach Eddie Jones, who spent seven years in charge of England, had promised he would try to create chaos but his game ​plan was dismantled by ​England’s early try and ⁠Japan lock Harry Hockings getting sent to the sin bin for an illegal tackle.

His early yellow card was upgraded to a 20-minute ​red, and England took full advantage.

“I loved every minute of that ​and a ⁠joy to be part of. It was a pretty perfect day,” Joseph said.

There was no let-up as the hosts turned the screws with powerful carrying through the middle, strong rucking ⁠and bruising ​tackling as they moved into second spot in ​the Northern Hemisphere standings.

“There were a lot of things to be pleased about, with wonderful tries from various sources,” ​England coach Steve Borthwick said.