New Zealand dominate Japan 64-19 in Yokohama Test
Sam Cane was one of the try scorer for New Zealand
©PA
Japan 19-64 New Zealand, Yokohama
The All Blacks secured a commanding 64-19 victory over Eddie Jones's Japan in a one-off Test match in Yokohama on Saturday, scoring 10 tries to kick off their tour in style.
This fixture marks the first of a challenging series for New Zealand, who will face England, Ireland, France, and Italy over the coming weekends.
Japan started brightly, with Fiji-born winger Jone Naikabula crossing the line in the fifth minute to give the hosts an early lead.
However, the All Blacks quickly responded, with Mark Tele'a and captain Patrick Tuipulotu both scoring in quick succession to swing the momentum back to the visitors. Damian McKenzie converted to make it 14-7.
Japan briefly struck back through Faulua Makisi, leveling the contest after exploiting a gap in New Zealand’s defense. However, after a disallowed try for Warner Dearns, the floodgates opened for the All Blacks.
Billy Proctor, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, and Pasilio Tosi all scored tries, pushing the score to 36-12. Before halftime, Tamaiti Williams added another, with McKenzie’s conversion giving the All Blacks a 43-12 lead at the break.
The second half started in similar fashion, as Cam Roigard crossed the line to take the All Blacks over the 50-point mark in the 44th minute. Japan showed resilience, frequently pinning the visitors in their 22, but New Zealand’s defense held firm.
Although Japan managed a third try through debutant Uwe Helu, the All Blacks finished strongly. Replacement back Ruben Love scored two late tries off the bench, sealing the emphatic 64-19 win for New Zealand.
Team line up:
Japan: Yazaki, Naikabula, Riley, McCurran, Tuitama, Tatekawa, Fujiwara, Okabe, Sakate, Takeuchi, Waqa, W. Dearns, Fakatava, Himeno, Makisi.
Reserves: Harada, Mohara, Helu, Uluiviti, Shimokawa, Koyama, Osada, Matsunaga.
New Zealand: Perofeta, Reece, Proctor, Liernert-Brown, Telea, McKenzie, Roigard, Williams, Aumua, Tosi, Darry, Tuipulotu, Finau, Cane, Sititi.
Reserves: Bell, Tu'ungafasi, Newell, Lord, Lakai, Perenara, Havili, Love.
