The All Blacks kicked off their end-of-season tour in style, scoring 10 tries to secure a dominant 64-19 win over Japan at Yokohama’s International Stadium. The makeshift New Zealand team displayed a clinical finishing touch in the first half, but faced some challenges after the break, reminiscent of their Rugby Championship performances.
Several players, including Patrick Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi, and Mark Tele’a, made strong cases for continued inclusion on the tour. Flyhalf Damian McKenzie also put in a solid performance, contributing 14 points with his kicking game.
Despite Japan’s attacking efforts, they struggled with missed tackles, allowing the All Blacks to capitalize on the space and width of the field. Billy Proctor, Sam Cane, and Samipeni Finau were among the players who added to New Zealand’s lead in the first half.
While Japan showed resilience throughout the match, New Zealand ultimately emerged victorious. The All Blacks will now shift their focus to their upcoming matches against England, Ireland, France, and Italy in November.
Overall, the test match in Yokohama showcased the All Blacks’ depth and potential as they continue their tour of Europe.
