Five-star Joseph shines as England hammer Japan 78-15

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.