George Ford mentioned “greasy” situations made it powerful for England to interrupt down Japan in the course of the first half of their 34-12 win on the Rugby World Cup.
On a damp night in Good, each side opted to kick the ball and maintain it tight within the opening 40 minutes earlier than England scored three second-half tries.
Japan made 14 dealing with errors within the Pool D match, whereas England made 11.
“It was most likely not the prettiest to observe nevertheless it’s exhausting to play with the ball in these situations,” mentioned Ford.
“These late kick-offs are useless greasy however we obtained there ultimately.
“There was some enchancment from us tonight however you may’t underestimate how troublesome it’s to play in these situations.
“It would not seem like it from the TV or the stands however I promise you it’s totally troublesome. It was sweaty and clammy and you have to be actually intelligent in the best way you play – and as a rule, we made the suitable choice.
“We knew it was going to be powerful and Japan problem you in numerous methods. We knew it could be that third or fourth quarter we may draw back a bit however we’re delighted to get the win.”
England’s first attempt, via Lewis Ludlam, got here after Japan spilled the ball and didn’t reclaim their very own line-out, and Courtney Lawes scored their second when the ball went backwards off Will Stuart’s hand and fortuitously ricocheted off the top of Joe Marler.
That ended the Japanese problem earlier than Ford, who contributed 14 factors from the boot, picked out Freddie Steward for the third attempt with a pin-point cross-field kick.
Joe Marchant’s highly effective end late on sealed the bonus level as England wore down their opponents.
“We knew we’d get the rewards if we stored doing the suitable issues,” mentioned England coach Steve Borthwick.
“The gamers have gotten to discover a method to get the end result. You noticed a Japan staff who kicked the ball 37 occasions, which is uncommon and tells you a large number in regards to the situations tonight.
“You possibly can really feel the ball spinning out of your arms even earlier than you have made contact. It is scorching, humid, it makes for a wet-weather sport.
“The gamers discovered a approach of scoring 4 tries. We felt that final quarter was the place we wanted to speed up and the boys did that.
“We nonetheless have plenty of progress in us. Gamers of high quality are going to begin coming again. Owen Farrell turns into obtainable subsequent week [after suspension]. Tom Curry will turn into obtainable the next week.
“I mentioned the staff is making ready for the event, they’ve immense high quality all through it, they wish to carry out on the largest of phases and the boys confirmed that tonight.”
A second victory in as many video games for England strikes them into pole place to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals from Pool D.
Former England wing Chris Ashton informed BBC Radio 5 Dwell that England’s kicking gameplan was efficient.
“It appeared the ploy was to put on Japan down with the kicking plan within the first half, nevertheless irritating it might have been,” mentioned Ashton.
“It was tough on the market, as we have now seen in all of the video games in extremely popular and sweaty situations which makes it very troublesome.
“When it goes via numerous phases out of a maul the place it has been subsequent to a sweaty shirt, it’s tough. It’s important to take into consideration that on the hoof, however it’s the identical for everybody.”
England face Chile of their subsequent sport in Lille on Saturday.
