The 81,000 Twickenham crowd were enjoying the sight of the white jerseys swarming forwards and tight in defence, and Farrell’s spectacular goal-kicking, with seven out of seven from all angles.
But the All Blacks and Springboks will shine a stronger light on his still developing playmaking partnership with Smith, who had his second try after his cross-kick and a speculative punt by Steward worked out to England’s benefit. England finished with Manu Tuilagi on as a replacement for Porter and the first-choice midfield spending another few minutes together before its likely deployment next week. Steward had shifted to the wing, too, which is another potential variation to set against the incoming big guns.Truly lived up to his nickname of ‘Baby Rhino’ this afternoon, charging head-first at Japan with strength and tenacity, both on and off the ball.