England have begun the defence of their World Rugby Under-20 title with a comfortable 59-7 victory over Japan in Calvisano.
The champions were 45-0 up at half-time thanks to tries from George Perkins, Jack Walker, Tom Howe and two apiece for Aaron Morris and Stuart Townsend and, although Japan caused them some problems after the break, England ran out easy winners, with the debutant Will Witty going over for the final score in the last 10 minutes of the match.
“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 the head coach Jon 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.”
England next face Wales on Saturday before facing France in their final Pool A match on 10 June. The semi-finals are on 15 June with the final on 20 June.
