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Writer's pictureMark Pickering

England’s Ollie Lawrence - We want to be dominant

England centre Ollie Lawrence underlined his desire to bring physicality to his country’s encounter with Japan on Saturday. 


Birmingham-born Lawrence, 24, who has 24 caps for England, starts at inside-centre in England’s midfield alongside Henry Slade. 


We know it’s going to be a game where Japan will target us,” said Lawrence who featured for Bath in their Premiership final loss to Northampton two weeks ago. 


“They like to play fast, they have good runners with the ball.


“We’re here to bring physicality and bring our dominance around the field. Coming away and playing against a team such as Japan, that likes to play, you can get drawn into that.


“We all want to see expansive rugby but at the end of the day we’re here to win test matches.”

Former England head coach Eddie Jones steers the Brave Blossoms into battle for the first time since returning to the role in December. 


Lawrence established himself as key player for his country at the World Cup in France and believes he can stamp his name on the game at the National Stadium in Tokyo. 


“The main thing for me is bringing my physicality and to create quick ball for the team,” said the line-breaking midfielder. 


“It’s about workrate off the ball and carrying is key this weekend as that gives us a platform.”


Lawrence will be central to Steve Borthwick’s plans to deny his former mentor Eddie Jones a happy homecoming in the first official Test match between the two countries to be played in Japan. 


England’s number 12 is keen to get on the ball and test the mettle of Jones’ new-look team.


“I want to get on the ball as often as I can, I like running at people, I enjoy it. 


“It’s what I love doing, going at defenders and it could be the key to getting us on the front foot.”


Lawrence sees the need for England to be professional and to play their own game. 


“There will be factors in the game that we can’t control. They might bring trick plays and things that we haven't seen before. It’s going to be a good test on Saturday and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”


Watch Japan vs England live and free on RugbyPass TV (UK & IRE only), June 22nd at 6:50am BST

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