Smith steals show in 'smart' England win

MARCUS Smith shone as England inflicted a crushing defeat on their former head coach Eddie Jones to give their summer tour lift off in Tokyo's National Stadium.

- DUNCAN BECH

Japan were overwhelmed 52-17 in their first match since Jones was placed back in charge, with England amassing eight tries until the strike rate dried up in the face of a finalquarter surge from the hosts.

A pleasing performance saw Steve Borthwick's men pick up where they left off in the Six Nations by playing smart and ambitious rugby.

Smith was at the heart of the enterprise shown, justifying his selection ahead of Fin Smith by orchestrating play intelligently until he was replaced having been shown a yellow card in the 55th minute.