Eddie Jones’s second stint as Japan’s coach started in a similar vein to his second Wallabies stint with a tough loss against a side that was physically too much for them in England.
In the end, Steve Borthwick’s side would break the fifty-point barrier with a late Sam Underhill try and Henry Slade conversion, taking the score to 52 – 17.
While the result shows just how far Japan has to go to reach the heights of their remarkable Rugby World Cup campaigns in 2015 and 2019, Jones will take comfort in seeing his team fight to the bitter end.
Leading the charge for the Brave Blossoms was 22-year-old secondrow Warner Dearns, who played a key role in both of his team’s tries.
Born in New Zealand, the 6’8″ powerhouse moved to Japan when he was nine years old and currently plays for the Toshiba Brave Lupus in the top league.
Making his debut in 2021, Dearns has long been touted as a potential star for Japan and will likely be a key building block for Jones over the next four years.
Focusing on his contributions today, Dearns looked at home against the ultra-physical English pack, and he was the player to deliver the two crucial final passes for both of his team’s tries.
Whilst the first try saw him pull off a superb right-to-left pass to a place where only his winger could get it, it was his second involvement that has garnered the headlines.
Having finally gained a foothold in the fixture, Japan were on the front foot and showing the attacking intent that they had become renowned for under Jones during his first stint in charge.
Rumbling forward, Dearns had a ball flung out to him from a ruck, which, in normal circumstances, would have flown past him.
Utilising every inch of his incredible wing span, Dearns plucked the ball before splitting the English defensive line and setting off on a rampaging run.
Showing exceptional pace and vision, he would then find support from the on rushing Takuya Yamasawa who dotted down under the posts.
Immediately following the score, social media was abuzz with adoration for the exceptional skill on display from Dearns.
Warner Dearns one handed take turns into Brave Blossom brilliance! 🌸
Catch more incredible #JPNvENG action on RugbyPass TV for free, live and on demand in the UK and Ireland! 📺 pic.twitter.com/MFO5C98Naq
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 22, 2024
How tall is Warner Dearns? That ball was level with the roof! Impressive try that. #JPNvENG
— Davey J (@DaveyWithAnE) June 22, 2024
Warner Dearns is proper good!
— Dave Rogers (@DRoj) June 22, 2024
Warner Dearns is 6ft 8 and only 22, which is quite exciting. pic.twitter.com/TQN01D7XUS
— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) June 22, 2024
Warner Dearns!!!! Brilliant! #JapanvEngland
— Tom, Dick & Harry (@TNJ12) June 22, 2024
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