England have hit back firmly at Eddie Jones’ suggestion that they could be vulnerable to an upset against Japan on Saturday because their attention is already divided by an upcoming blockbuster clash with New Zealand.
The wily former England head coach, now orchestrating Japan’s tactical approach, has been attempting to disrupt Steve Borthwick’s side ahead of the weekend fixture. Jones openly claimed that England would be "a little bit distracted" by the impending visit of the All Blacks to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on November 21.
With New Zealand traditionally serving as the box-office fixture of the autumn campaign, the narrative surrounding potential overlooking of tier-two or developing opponents is a familiar psychological ploy. However, the England camp has moved quickly to extinguish any notion that they are looking past a dangerous Brave Blossoms outfit.
"That’s nowhere near the case because we understand how important this game is," England scrum coach Tom Harrison told reporters this week.
Harrison emphasized that the coaching staff and players are fully aware of the unique threats posed by the opposition, noting that Japan’s dynamic and unpredictable style of play demands total concentration from the opening whistle to the final minute.
"We understand the challenge Japan can throw at us and we have to be alive in every single moment to the type of rugby they play," Harrison added, acknowledging the tactical nuance that Jones is renowned for implementing.
"We understand that there might be unorthodox things coming our way but our need is to be alive. I’ve never worked with Eddie but I’ve met him a few times and he’s a rugby genius, the way he thinks about the game and the way the players talk about him."
The fixture forms a vital part of the international rugby calendar, and Borthwick has used the opportunity to shuffle his resources. England have made 10 changes to their starting XV for the encounter at Twickenham, balancing the need for tactical evolution with a clear eye on the long-term horizon of the program.
Murley: My best rugby will get me in the mix
Among the fresh faces earning an opportunity is winger Cadan Murley. He is set to win his eighth international cap, but crucially, this weekend marks his first appearance at Twickenham. Murley comes into the starting lineup on the left wing, replacing the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and represents one of several personnel shifts designed to inject fresh energy into the backline.
Murley, alongside teammates Max Ojomoh and Will Joseph, is eager to make a lasting impression on Borthwick. The head coach has recently signaled that places within the broader squad are heavily contested, with the next Rugby World Cup cycle looming large and every minute on the international stage carrying significant weight for aspiring squad members.
"I just want go out there and play my best rugby," Murley said ahead of the match. "I’ll focus on what I can do, control the controllables, and hopefully that will get me in the mix further down the line.
"But my sole focus is on this game and putting my best foot forward. It’s my first game at Twickenham and that’s what’s on my mind at the moment."
The changes across the team sheet reflect a blend of established leadership and emerging talent. Captain Maro Itoje has echoed the coaching staff’s sentiments regarding the necessity for heightened alertness, warning his teammates that complacency against a tactically astute Japanese side could prove costly, regardless of what lies ahead on the international schedule.
England team to face Japan in Nations Championship
The side selected by Borthwick features Freddie Steward wearing the full-back jersey at number 15, with Will Joseph occupying the right wing and Henry Slade slotting into outside centre at number 13. Max Ojomoh partners Slade in the midfield at inside centre, while Cadan Murley covers the left wing. The half-back pairing combines experienced fly-half George Ford with scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet.
Up front, the front row sees Ellis Genge packing down at loosehead prop, joined by hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and tighthead prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour. Captain Maro Itoje anchors the engine room from lock, partnered by George Martin. In the back row, Alex Coles starts at blindside flanker, Ben Earl takes the openside position, and Henry Pollock completes the loose trio at number eight.
The replacements bench offers a dynamic mix of impact and experience, featuring Theo Dan, Emmanuel Iyogun, Joe Heyes, Arthur Clark, Ben Curry, Greg Fisilau, Archie McParland, and Marcus Smith ready to enter the fray when called upon.