Will Joseph matches England try record in 78-15 win over Japan

Will Joseph scored five tries as England beat Japan 78-15 in the Nations Championship, matching the national team's single-match try record on his return to international rugby. BBC Sport reported that the Gloucester back was playing his first Test in four years, turning his recall into the central story of a comprehensive England victory.

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England led 32-3 inside the opening 20 minutes and went into half-time 49-10 ahead. Japan could not generate the quick ruck ball and attacking movement needed to compete with the hosts, according to the BBC's match report. England finished with 13 tries, while Japan's two came through Dearns and Helu. Saito supplied a conversion and a penalty for the visitors.

Joseph joins Douglas Lambert, Rory Underwood, Josh Lewsey and Henry Arundell as England players to score five tries in one match. His previous international appearance had come as a teenage replacement against Australia. Since then, his former club London Irish has gone out of business and he has had a spell at Harlequins before establishing the early-season form at Gloucester that earned him this opportunity.

Max Ojomoh played an important part in Joseph's scoring performance. The Bath centre, appearing for England for the first time since facing Argentina 12 months earlier, helped create Joseph's second try with a break into space. His passing also opened the route for Joseph's fourth, making the midfield partnership another notable feature of England's attack.

Eight other England players crossed the try line, including replacement Greg Fisilau. George Ford kicked four conversions and a penalty, with Henry Slade adding a conversion. Fisilau also contributed two forceful tackles after coming on, while Henry Pollock made only his second England start and Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland won his debut from the bench.

England next face New Zealand, with several leading players expected to return, the BBC reported. The All Blacks will arrive after a defeat by Wales. For Joseph, the Japan match provided both a place alongside England's record try-scorers and a substantial individual contribution before that next assignment.