In a one-off Test match in Yokohama on Saturday, Eddie Jones’ Japan was thrashed 64-19 by the All Blacks, who scored 10 tries in a resounding triumph. The game was the first of an All Blacks trip that would include games against France, Italy, England, and Ireland over the next few weeks.
The opening goal was scored by Japan in the fifth minute when winger Jone Naikabula, who was born in Fiji, smashed in to land by the posts. Mark Tele’a stormed down the left flank and scored in the corner to give New Zealand the response. Damian McKenzie then converted to make it 14-7 after captain Patrick Tuipulotu resisted three tackles and bundled over the line.
Japan quickly recovered, attacking from a line-out and causing holes in the defence before advancing. From a close-range ruck, Faulua Makisi smashed through a large opening.
The Japan lock After collecting a fortunate bounce to burst away and run over the line, Warner Dearns believed he had put the home team back ahead, but the try was rejected.
Then, with Billy Proctor, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, and Pasilio Tosi all crossing the line—the latter following a brilliant run by hooker Asafo Aumua to make it 36–12—the floodgates opened for New Zealand.
With Tamaiti Williams grounding the ball off the back of a maul and McKenzie converting to make it 43-12 at halftime, the All Blacks packs blasted their way over the line just before the half.
After being released by hooker Aumua, Cam Roigard scored the first goal of the second half and helped the visitors surpass the 50-point threshold in the 44th minute.
By repeatedly trapping the now-sloppy All Blacks in their 22, Japan was able to give the scoreboard operators a break without breaking through the New Zealand defense’s wall.
Japan often appeared to have a better chance of scoring, but handling mistakes and turnovers by New Zealand thwarted the All Blacks’ attempts. News for The Daily Rugby
To the despair of the packed Nissan stadium, Yoshitaka Yazaki made a spectacular run down the right in the 67th minute, but McKenzie stopped him just short.
However, the third try and successful conversion for the home team came seconds later from Uwe Helu, Japan’s reserve prop making his debut.
As the Japanese defence weakened, All Blacks substitute back Ruben Love, making his debut, scored two late tries in three minutes off the bench.
