What a cruel twist of fate that one of Eddie Jones’ teenage apprentices came back to twist the knife.
Will Joseph was still living in the Harlequins academy house when Jones invited him to train with the senior England team in 2022.
Joseph felt like he had won the lottery, fast-tracked into a squad with the likes of Owen Farrell and Danny Care.
Jones rewarded his efforts in training with a two-minute cameo against Australia but he had to wait more than four years for his second cap.
It finally came this weekend, against Jones’s Japan, as the centre-cum-winger scored five tries on a ruthless night at Twickenham.
Only Douglas Lambert (1907), Rory Underwood (1989), Josh Lewsey (2003) and Henry Arundell (2023) have achieved such a feat.
‘Today was a very special day,’ said Joseph. ‘I loved every minute of it. I’m pretty speechless. It was almost a perfect day’
Cadan Murley goes over for England in a swashbuckling first half at Allianz Twickenham
The power of Ellis Genge (pictured after his try), Maro Itoje and George Martin set up this win
On the bench, England’s replacements were even plotting to put Joseph on the back of their dominant driving maul in a bid to score a record-breaking sixth.
This game was billed as an early World Cup audition.
Steve Borthwick has already pencilled down circa 26 players for his 33-man World Cup squad and this was a shot for his fringe players to stake their claim.
Without question, Joseph was the standout, although it is worth remembering that his opposite man, Riku Tokito, had not played a single game of professional rugby.
Joseph was allowed freedom to roam but not once was he blinded by the spotlight of a full house in South West London.
He showed similar composure to his older brother, Jonathan, who won 54 caps for England between 2012 and 2020.
These days, Joseph Sr is one of the stadium comperes at Twickenham. At half-time, he spoke of his pride for his younger brother and reflected on the long and challenging journey towards his second cap.
‘Today was a very special day,’ said Joseph, when interviewed by his sibling. ‘I loved every minute of it. I’m pretty speechless. It was almost a perfect day. I was very grateful to get five tries in front of my family and friends.’
In the midfield, marginalised centre Max Ojomoh did everything that was asked of him
Joseph was left without a club after London Irish went bust, unused at Harlequins before finally finding his feet in the midfield at Gloucester.
Anyone who has watched the Cherry and Whites this season knows all about Joseph’s box-office skills.
He has established a silky centre partnership with Seb Atkinson, who missed out on this Japanese demolition because of a hip injury.
Joseph has the ability to cover both wing and centre and, in the era of versatility, this was a performance that should see him moved into Borthwick’s list of World Cup probables. When George Furbank is fit and firing – and ready to provide No10 cover from full-back – then Joseph could challenge Marcus Smith for England’s No23 jersey.
There would be no complaints if Joseph is now fast-tracked into the squad to take on the All Blacks next week.
He showcased his speed, footwork and vision – with his fifth try coming from an interception inside his own half.
While it was Joseph’s name in lights, the platform for this victory was laid by the power of Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje and George Martin. They muscled up from the start, with Japan lock Harry Hockings shown a 20-minute red card in the first minute.
Japan were hoping to take inspiration from Wales’ famous victory over the All Blacks but lightning never looked like striking twice. England pulverised Japan with their size and power, subjecting their old master Jones to a night that he would rather forget.
‘It kills me, that Will Joseph,’ laughed Jones. ‘I gave him his first cap and he scores five tries against me. That’s not very loyal, is it? He’s a great kid, he was always going to be a great player. Sometime you’ve got to do something for someone else. Hopefully Steve will give me some of his muesli and yoghurt.’
England capitalised on their numerical advantage in the early exchanges. They broke the line with almost every carry. In the midfield, Max Ojomoh did everything asked of him. The marginalised centre created time and space with his slick passes and clever running lines. Borthwick wanted to see more dog and grunt from Ojomoh but midfield resistance was limited. This was a long way from the blood and thunder intensity of France’s victory over South Africa, but that was no fault of the hosts.
Freddie Steward transferred his impressive club form to the international stage. He stole restarts and dominated the aerial battle, providing field position as England romped towards 13 tries.
‘We got beaten almost everywhere in the high ball,’ conceded Jones. ‘If it was a game of Aussie Rules it would have been 12-0. Our players don’t experience that in the domestic league so we’re teaching that on the run.’
In the second half, young No8 Greg Fisilau left indents in Japanese ribs. He delivered a human wrecking ball of a cameo. England are well-stocked with Ben Earl and Henry Pollock but neither is blessed with Fisilau’s raw power.
In 2018, when England looked blunt in a 35-15 win over Japan, Jones was so unimpressed that some of those players were never seen again on the Test stage.
Alex Lozowski and Zach Mercer kissed goodbye to their international careers.
This was an altogether different story. A host of players put their hand up, leaving Borthwick facing the enviable challenge of how he squeezes everyone in.
