Japan quickly missed the mark but were ultimately no match for the All Blacks

Japan got off to a bright start but were ultimately overwhelmed and outclassed in a 64-19 defeat by New Zealand on Saturday.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup finalists, captained for the first time by former Toyota Verblitz player Patrick Tuipulotu, scored ten tries to three as they began their season-ending tour at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.

Eddie Jones’ men attacked at breakneck speed from kick-off, putting New Zealand under pressure after young full-back Yoshitaka Yazaki broke through the defensive line.

Jone Naikabula gave the hosts the perfect start when he stormed in for the opening try in the fifth minute after scrum-half Shinobu Fujiwara sent him through the gap.

Scott Robertson’s side quickly equalized to 7-7 thanks to a converted try from Mark Tele’a and then needed just four minutes to go over the line again through Tuipulotu and take the extras to a 14-7 lead.

Fujiwara set up Japan’s second try in the 19th minute by passing a quick ball to Faulua Makisi, increasing the score to 14-12.

New Zealand-born lock Warner Dearns then appeared to give Japan the lead with a spectacular chip-and-chase, but the attempt was canceled out by the televised match referee due to a kick-off in the build-up.

The All Blacks wasted no time in taking advantage of the free kick when Billy Proctor went over in the 22nd minute. The tourists added four more tries in the first half to effectively end the contest with a 43-12 lead at the break.

Japan’s defensive deficiencies became glaringly apparent when New Zealand scrumhalf Cam Roigard evaded a series of tackles and went over at the start of the second half, but the hosts continued to move quickly in possession.

The All Blacks needed a try-saving tackle from Damian McKenzie to deny Yazaki in the corner, but the Brave Blossoms soon got their third five-pointer through front-row substitute Opeti Helu, his first in the 68th minute made a test attempt.

Substitute Ruben Love added two late tries for the All Blacks, who improved to 8-0 against Japan. The Brave Blossoms will play France, Uruguay and England during their European tour in November.

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