England respond to fear of shock

Maro Itoje admits England were driven on by the fear of being humbled at Twickenham when staging their fightback in a 35-15 victory over Japan.

The shadow of rugby’s greatest upset loomed large on Saturday as the Brave Blossoms built a 15-10 half-time lead that would have been larger still had the inspirational Michael Leitch been able to score his second try.

England took control through Mark Wilson’s touchdown just before the final quarter arrived but it was only when Joe Cokanasiga powered over in the 72nd minute that the underdogs were beaten.

Japan beat South Africa 34-32 at the 2015 World Cup, a result that sent shockwaves through the game and Itoje revealed the desperation to avoid a similar outcome.

“I definitely didn’t want happen here,” said Itoje.

“I definitely didn’t want to be a part of the first England side to lose to Japan. That was a big motivation, but we shouldn’t have even been in that situation in the first place.

“It was a good lesson for us to have. No team is easy in international rugby. If you don’t turn up you’re going to find yourself getting beaten.”

Warren Gatland hailed

lthat to Wales’ strength in depth as his side claimed an eighth straight victory by beating Tonga 74-24 in Cardiff.

Wales’ winning sequence is their longest since the 2004-05 season, and victory over South Africa this weekend would complete a first autumn Tests clean sweep.

Gatland’s second string ran in 10 tries and scored 50 second-half points after being tied at 24-24.

The coach said: “As the game went on a lot of those individuals got better and more comfortable, especially in that second half.

“There’s definitely some real questions in terms of picking the (World Cup) squad.”