The last Rugby World Cup matches offered an intense spectacle, notably during the match between England and Japan which was held in Nice on September 17, 2023. The English won with a score of 34 to 12, scoring four tries and earning the offensive bonus point.
England, having started the competition with uncertainties, took an important step towards the quarter-finals after this second consecutive victory. Despite this, the team failed to fully convince on the offensive level, highlighting the lingering doubts about its abilities in this area.
It is interesting to remember that England concluded their summer preparation with a historic defeat against Fiji at Twickenham, which left questions surrounding their performance in the World Cup. However, the men in pink were able to pull themselves together and are now at the top of group D with nine points. They still have two matches to play against Chile and Samoa, two teams who seem within their reach.
The first victory against Argentina allowed England to relax the atmosphere and gain confidence. However, the match against Japan was not a brilliant demonstration of their attacking potential, despite scoring four tries. The players were helped by errors from their opponents, including a poorly negotiated Japanese touch which allowed Lewis Ludlam to forcefully flatten, as well as a lucky bounce off Joe Marler’s head which led to the try. Courtney Lawes.
The solidity of the English defense remains undeniable, but their stereotypical play and their propensity to play on the foot do not necessarily make them serious contenders for final victory. Teams such as Ireland and South Africa have already shown their power and creativity on the field.
On the Japanese side, the team showed a willingness to fight, but their performance against England revealed their limits. Unable to beat a major team since the 2019 World Cup, the Japanese will have to win their next matches against Samoa and Argentina to hope to advance to the next round.
In conclusion, England have taken an important step towards the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, but still need to prove their attacking ability. Japan, for its part, must take up the challenge to stay in the competition. The next matches always promise more surprises and intensity on the grounds of the Rugby World Cup.