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All Blacks Dominant in 64-19 Victory Against Japan
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – In a thrilling opening match of their Northern Hemisphere tour, the All Blacks displayed their prowess by defeating Japan 64-19 at Nissan Stadium on October 26, 2024.
An Unconventional Start
The Brave Blossoms took a surprise lead by scoring the first try of the game. It wasn’t until the 15th minute that New Zealand struck back with new captain Patrick Tuipulotu crossing for his team’s second try. Despite falling behind again to another Japanese score and coming close to regaining the lead with an impressive third try that was ruled out‌ due to a knock-on, New Zealand eventually found their footing.
By halftime, they had established control with a scoreboard reading 43-12. However, this match served as an uneasy precursor for the tougher contests awaiting against teams like England and Ireland in subsequent weeks.
A Call for Improvement
Tuipulotu acknowledged areas needing enhancement post-match: ”We must improve our set piece consistency. We lost several lineouts,” he remarked. “Additionally, our scrum lacked the dominance we aimed for—this will definitely be addressed ahead of facing stronger European opponents who excel at set pieces.”
This matchup marked a historic moment as it featured New Zealand’s heaviest front row ever fielded against Japan; however, they struggled initially to exert dominance in scrums.
The Brave Blossoms Shines Early On>
>Under head coach Eddie Jones from Australia, Japan capitalized on early mistakes made by New Zealand to score through winger Jone Naikabula and backrower Faulua Makisi in front of more than sixty thousand fans packed into Nissan Stadium.>
>This venue held memories from their previous encounter where New Zealand faced England—a team coached by Jones—in a World Cup semifinal loss back in 2019.>
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⟨ h2 ⟩Missed Opportunities For The All Blacks⟨ / h2 ⟩
⟨ p⟩ After Warner Dearns’ disallowed try due to knocking on while attempting an impressive run following a tackle on flyhalf Damian McKenzie we saw momentum shift dramatically right after with center Billy Proctor scoring immediately making way for‍ further tries from Sam Cane , Samipeni Finau ,and props Pasilio Tosi & Tamaiti Williams shortly thereafter.
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λ h = = A Display of Character Amidst Adversity
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=* The All Blacks maintained relentless momentum following their eighth try scored within minutes into Second period thanks Cam Roigard returning post-injury absence.
= * As substitutions began taking place both squads shifted energy — Harumichi Tatekawa leading off after replacement whilst teammates Peter Lakai & Love made test debuts.
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@== ’Even chasing second goal attempt – Naikabula came within reach only narrowly denied again by McKenzie—additional defensive efforts impeded Opeti Helu’s debut success soon after doing likewise against Yazaki.’
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