Japan’s Eddie Jones Returns to Twickenham this Saturday as England Target Nations Championship Final

England will look to take another step towards the inaugural Nations Championship Final when they face Eddie Jones’ Japan at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 14 November 2026.

Steve Borthwick’s side enter the contest following an impressive 45-22 victory over Australia, with Henry Pollock scoring twice as England registered seven tries against the Wallabies. The result moved England into second place in the Northern Hemisphere standings, keeping their hopes of reaching the final firmly alive.

However, Saturday’s encounter also marks the return of former England head coach Eddie Jones, who will be hoping to produce an upset against the country he managed for seven years.

With New Zealand visiting Twickenham the following weekend and Finals Weekend scheduled for 27–29 November, England have plenty to play for in their final two group fixtures.

Eddie Jones Returns to Face His Former England Side

Saturday’s match will see Jones return to Twickenham as Japan head coach, having previously managed England between 2015 and 2022.

During his time in charge, the Australian led England to three Six Nations titles, including the 2016 Grand Slam, as well as the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, where they were beaten by South Africa.

Now in his second spell with Japan, Jones has overseen improvements from the Brave Blossoms, who won the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup and have demonstrated their ability to compete against established international sides.

Japan head into Saturday’s fixture following a narrow 28-21 defeat against Wales in Cardiff, having previously beaten Italy 27-10 during July’s Nations Championship fixtures.

Jones has already suggested that Japan will need to approach England differently to trouble Borthwick’s side, identifying the importance of disrupting their opponents’ preferred style of play.

Speaking after the defeat against Wales, Jones said:

“We’ll need to be able to break up the game, if we play an orthodox game of rugby, we’re probably going to struggle to beat them.”

England will nevertheless be strong favourites, having never lost to Japan. Their most recent meeting ended in a convincing 59-14 victory in November 2024.

Henry Pollock Pushing for England Starting Place

One of the biggest selection questions facing Borthwick concerns Henry Pollock, whose performance against Australia further demonstrated his potential at international level.

The 21-year-old entered the contest as a half-time replacement for the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, playing out of position on the wing despite normally operating in the back row.

Pollock scored twice in quick succession during the second half, helping England establish a commanding lead before eventually recording their highest-ever points total against Australia.

His performance has increased the pressure on Borthwick to find a place for him in the starting XV against Japan, particularly with injuries affecting England’s options.

Tom Curry and Feyi-Waboso have both been ruled out for the remainder of the Nations Championship, while Ollie Chessum, Seb Atkinson and George Furbank are expected to miss Saturday’s encounter.

Whether Pollock starts in his natural position or continues as an impact replacement remains to be seen, but his contribution against Australia has provided England with another attacking option.

England’s Nations Championship Final Hopes

England’s victory over Australia has put them in a promising position heading into the final two rounds of the inaugural Nations Championship.

Borthwick’s side currently sit second in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 15 points, two behind leaders France and level with Ireland. England’s superior points difference keeps them ahead of the Irish, but both sides remain firmly in contention for first place.

Only the team finishing top of each hemisphere’s standings will contest the Nations Championship Grand Final on Sunday 29 November, meaning England cannot afford to drop points unnecessarily against Japan.

A victory on Saturday, ideally accompanied by a try-scoring bonus point, would put England in a strong position before their final group fixture against New Zealand on Saturday 21 November.

France face South Africa and Argentina in their remaining matches, while Ireland must overcome Fiji and South Africa. Those results will help determine whether England can reach the final on home soil.

The Nations Championship Finals Weekend takes place at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, with six matches played across three days. Every participating nation will feature, with teams paired against their corresponding finishing position in the opposite hemisphere.

England know that two victories from their remaining fixtures would significantly improve their chances of reaching the Grand Final, although results elsewhere will also play an important role.

England Looking to Continue Australia Form Against Japan

England’s performance against Australia provided encouragement for Borthwick ahead of an important fortnight of international rugby.

Alongside Pollock’s double, tries from Jamie George, Ollie Chessum, Joe Heyes, Jack van Poortvliet and Ben Spencer helped England secure a comfortable victory.

The hosts will now be hoping for another strong attacking display against Japan, while also looking to improve defensively after conceding three tries against the Wallabies.

Japan have shown that they can trouble more established opponents, and Jones’ tactical approach could provide England with a different challenge to the one they faced against Australia.

However, with the possibility of a place in the Nations Championship Final still firmly within reach, England will be determined to secure another victory before welcoming New Zealand to Twickenham.

Saturday’s England v Japan clash kicks off at 4:40pm GMT, with Borthwick’s side aiming to record a fourth consecutive Nations Championship victory.

England v Japan FAQs

When is England v Japan in the Nations Championship 2026?

England face Japan on Saturday 14 November 2026 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with kick-off scheduled for 4:40pm GMT.

Who is Japan’s head coach?

Former England head coach Eddie Jones currently manages Japan, having returned to the role in 2024.

Can England reach the Nations Championship Final?

Yes. England are second in the Northern Hemisphere standings with two group fixtures remaining. They must finish first in their hemisphere to qualify for the Grand Final on Sunday 29 November.

When do England play New Zealand?

England face New Zealand on Saturday 21 November 2026 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with kick-off scheduled for 2:10pm GMT.