Match Highlights: Japan achieve highest score ever against New Zealand in 100 point thriller
Ngani Laumape scored a hat-trick as New Zealand overcame Japan 69-31 in an 15-try thriller in Tokyo.
Laumape was among seven try-scorers for the All Blacks, who fielded a host of debutants, but their opponents also crossed five times during a frantic contest high on entertainment.
And while New Zealand were able to record a fourth emphatic victory in as many meetings with Japan, next year's Rugby World Cup hosts comfortably managed a record points haul against the All Blacks - having never previously hit double figures in Tests between the two.
Japan actually claimed the first try on Saturday, Samuela Anise going over from a charge down after a Richie Mo'unga penalty had put the visitors in front.
Dane Coles, Mo'unga, Laumape (2) and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi all helped themselves to tries before the interval to put New Zealand in command, but Japan continued to pose a threat and both Hendrik Tui and Tim Lafaele touched down to make it 19-38 at the break.
Continue reading below...
The second period followed a similar pattern, with the All Blacks on top but Japan helping themselves to two further scores, through Jamie Henry and Lafaele.
Laumape completed his hat-trick for New Zealand, while there were also two tries for impressive replacement George Bridge and one apiece for Waisake Naholo and Matt Proctor.
Latest Comments
Pretty much now the only old fart retained from last year isn't he? Still has some solid legs under him but probably lucky he signed before Hutchinson got a chance to impress in the NPC (which I was surprised he did after I thought he stalled a lot of the U20's flair in the JRWC this year).
Go to commentsNo way Beauden gets a 9.5. He gave up possession too easily by kicking the ball away. Either too long or just aimless. One of those kicks lead directly to the Italians only try. He also missed the last tackle too, so he couldn't even clean up his mistake.
Go to comments