Debut try for Cokanasiga as England rally to avoid Japan upset

Japan led 15-10 at half-time, but England scored three tries after the interval to avoid a huge upset at Twickenham.

Joe Cokanasiga scored a debut try as England overcame an almighty scare to fight back and beat Japan 35-15 at Twickenham.

Eddie Jones challenged a much-changed team to "smash" his former side, but England were in danger of being humiliated when they trailed 15-10 at half-time on Saturday.

An enterprising Japan team were great value for their lead, Ryoto Nakamura and Michael Leitch scoring first-half tries, with England disjointed after Jones made 11 alterations to his starting line-up following the defeat to New Zealand.

Danny Care's early try had put England in front but they lacked cohesion in a poor first-half display before raising their game following the introduction of Owen Farrell at the interval.

Mark Wilson's first international try put them back in front, then Cokanasiga and Dylan Hartley went over as England finally clicked into gear with a clash against Australia to come next weekend.

George Ford, captain for his 50th cap, scored 12 points with the boot and Elliot Daly was on target with a long-range penalty in a first half which Japan dominated, but they were ultimately emphatically beaten.