JWC: England campaign gets off to a flyer

England head coach Jon Callard was pleased with his side’s opening win over Japan at the U20 World Championship, despite a tough second half.

At one point England looked on track to score over 100 points after romping to a 45-0 half-time lead, including two tries for Aaron Morris and Stuart Townsend.

However Japan showed some real steel after the break, using their pack to good effect to snatch a penalty try.

That test is likely to benefit England going forward after Japan kept them honest, with Will Witty rounding things off for England on the final play to leave the score at 59-7.

England next will take on Wales, who were defeated by France on Day One. However Wales got the victory over England when the two met in the U20 Six Nations earlier this year, giving Callard’s group a score to settle.

"I am pleased with that performance, we came out of the blocks and started really well.  We were clinical with the opportunities that presented themselves to us,” said Callard.

"Second half we emptied the bench and Japan found momentum.  To their credit, they were very good and stretched us on the edge with their attacking play.  We are through the first game and will be all the better for the experience of dealing with the heat and conditions out here.”