Japan will visit the Twickenham Stadium for a second last November test where they will face the hosts, England. Both teams will be looking to put final touches to their squads as they prepare to compete in the Rugby World Cup that will be held next year. The Red and Whites will be looking to end the year on a high after having a poor run of form in 2018. On the other hand, the Brave Blossoms will be showcasing their ability and overall preparations as they look to welcome the rest of the world to Japan for the WC. And here’s the Japan v England Rugby 2018 Autumn Test Game Preview and Score Prediction.

Japan Rugby at England 2018 Schedule, Kickoff Time and Where To Watch Online Live Stream

This will be the second time ever that these two sides meet for a test match in history. Alongside, Japan fans will get the opportunity to see the progress of the Brave Blossoms just before the world cup. So, let’s have look at the schedule and kickoff time of the game.

  • What: Japan v England Rugby 2018 Autumn Test
  • When: Saturday, 17th of November 2018
  • Where: Twickenham Stadium, London, England
  • Kickoff: 15:00 GMT
  • Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
  • Assistant Referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Dan Jones (Wales)
  • Television Match Official (TMO): Marius Jonker (South Africa)
  • Where To Watch: Sky Sports

England Rugby Last Match

The English side struggled in the summer tests but they ended the tours with a strong performance over the Springboks. The game only saw one try apiece which were duly converted. Kriel crossed the line for the Boks while May provided a response for England. However, England Rugby was mean with penalties and they gave away only one while the Boks gave away six which were emphatically converted for a 15 point game-winning margin.

Player Replacements for Japan v England Rugby 2018 Autumn Test

  • The Red and Whites: Manu Tuilagi makes a return to the squad after missing for almost two years. Likewise, Ben Te’o makes the squad too after being sidelined due to injury. In addition to that, Courtney Lawes could make the matchday squad after missing the opening game of the Autumn Internationals. Ben Morgan is set to benefit from a run of games after injury setbacks to the Vunipola brothers.
  • Brave Blossoms: Hiroshi Yamashita and Keita Inagaki rejoin the squad after missing since the rugby world cup 2015. The Brave Blossoms squad also features Anise, De Walt, Tamura, and Lava Lemeki who all featured in Japan’s loss to the World XV.

Key Players for Japan v England Rugby 2018 Autumn Test

  • England: It will be interesting to see if Eddie Jones can get the best out of the center duo, Te’o & Tuilagi. Having missed a dynamic central play, the pair will surely ignite the English side. Also under scrutiny is B. Morgan as he tries to fill the boots of the injured B. Vunipola. Lastly, another player to watch is Farell who will be relishing a return to his most preferred position at Fly-half.
  • Japan: The Brave Blossoms have made tremendous steps and they have shown an improved game. Key in those endeavors has been veteran Tamura and the enterprising Lemeki. The duo will be looking to lead the Blossoms when they face England.

Japan Rugby Previous Match

In their most recent game, the Japan Rugby lost narrowly to the World XV. L. Cronje opened the scoring for the World XV and T. Pulu scored another while the Brave Blossoms grabbed their first try via Fukuoka. Li and Jenkins crossed the line to further stretch the lead and the scores were 24-7 in favor of the visitors. However, Japan fought back in the second period and they were rewarded by tries via Lafaele, Lemeki, and Nakamura after Li had scored for the Visitors. However the World XV clung to the 3 point gap and were eventual winners with a 31-28 scoreline.

Japan v England Rugby 2018 Autumn Test Score Prediction

These two teams met in the rugby WC 1987 where the Brave Blossoms lost by 60-7. Miyamoto scored the only try for Japan while England was rampant. The Britons scored ten tries via Salmon, Richards, Redman, Rees, Harrison, Underwood, and Simms. England is the better side on paper but the Blossoms have made great strides since these two sides last met over 3 decades ago. And perhaps this time England will defeat the Brave Blossoms Japan Rugby for the 2nd time by registering a massive win at their home soil.

Prediction: England 35-12 Japan

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