In a dazzling display of rugby prowess, the New Zealand All Blacks kicked off their end-of-season tour with a resounding 64-19 victory over Japan at Yokohama’s International Stadium on Saturday. The makeshift All Blacks lineup, featuring several fresh faces, showed no signs of inexperience as they ran in a staggering 10 tries against a spirited but outmatched Japanese side.
All Blacks’ Ruthless First Half
From the opening whistle, it was clear that the All Blacks meant business. Despite an early try from Japan’s winger Jone Naikabula in the fifth minute, New Zealand quickly found their rhythm and responded with tries from Mark Tele’a and Patrick Tuipulotu. Japan briefly threatened to make a game of it when No. 8 Faulua Makisi crossed the line in the 18th minute, but from then on, it was all one-way traffic.
The All Blacks showcased their trademark width and expansive play, with tries coming from all areas of the field. Centre Billy Proctor, flankers Sam Cane and Samipeni Finau, and props Pasilio Tosi and Tamaiti Williams all got in on the action, helping New Zealand to a commanding 43-12 lead at halftime.
Second Half Slowdown
While the All Blacks continued to dominate possession and territory in the second half, the scoring rate slowed considerably. Scrumhalf Cam Roigard, playing his first test of the year after recovering from injury, scored four minutes after the break, but Japan managed to stem the tide for much of the half.
“We started quite rough,” admitted All Blacks skipper Patrick Tuipulotu post-match. “We didn’t get our set piece right and let them in for an early try. But we managed to get some retention of the ball, and as long as we held it, we got some good payout and ended up with some tries.”
Japan replacement prop Opeti Helu provided a bright spot for the hosts, scoring a fine individual try on debut in the 69th minute. But the All Blacks had the last laugh, with outside back Ruben Love crossing twice in the final minutes to put an exclamation point on the win.
Standout Performers
Several All Blacks put their hands up for selection on the upcoming European tour with strong performances, including:
- Lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who was a force in the tight and loose
- No. 8 Wallace Sititi, who made some powerful carries and tackles
- Winger Mark Tele’a, who showed pace and finishing ability
- Flyhalf Damian McKenzie, who directed play well and kicked 14 points
Work to Do for Japan
While Japan showed flashes of the attacking flair that has won them many fans in recent years, their defense was found wanting far too often. Missed tackles proved costly, and they simply could not contain the All Blacks once they got into their flowing best.
Coach Eddie Jones will need to sharpen up that area of their game quickly, with tests against England and France looming in November. The Brave Blossoms have made great strides in recent years, but this match underlined the gap that still exists between them and the true rugby elite.
All Blacks March on to Europe
For the All Blacks, this was an encouraging start to their end-of-season tour, albeit against a team they were expected to beat comfortably. New head coach Scott Robertson will be pleased with the attack-minded approach and execution, but he will also know that sterner tests await.
New Zealand now head to Europe for a daunting schedule that sees them play England, Ireland, France and Italy on consecutive weekends in November. After a Rugby Championship campaign that featured several frustrating defeats, the All Blacks will be determined to finish 2024 on a high and lay down a marker a year out from the World Cup.
On this evidence, if they can sharpen their play and maintain that ruthless edge, they will take some stopping. But as always in international rugby, it’s one game at a time. For now, the All Blacks can take a moment to enjoy a job well done in Japan, before refocusing for the challenges ahead.
