New Zealand v Japan
NOVEMBER 3 // AJINOMOTO STADIUM, TOKYO JAPAN 31 – NEW ZEALAND 69
Build Up Fast Facts
✪ The All Blacks 22 changes to their match day 23 with only Richie Mo’unga surviving from the Bledisloe Cup clash.
✪ Dane Coles played his first test since November 2017 and Luke Whitelock captained the team.
✪ A total of eight new players were introduced to the All Blacks – Dalton Papapli’i and Matt Proctor earned their caps from the start – while Tyrel Lomax, Gareth Evans, Dillon Hunt, Mitchell Drummond, Brett Cameron and George Bridge were all on the bench.
✪ This was the most new caps of the Steve Hansen era but not the most in All Blacks history.
The Game Fast Facts
✪ The All Blacks were controlled and accurate which was surprising given they had been thrown together for just four days beforehand.
✪ The game was played at an incredible pace with both teams willing to attack wide and fast.
✪ Some of the skill execution and cohesion of the All Blacks was first class and they were able to play with patience and accuracy in the face of a rushing Japanese defence.
✪ Composure, pace, power and timing were at the heart of the All Blacks’ performance while Japan never stopped coming at them.
Star Players
✪ Mo’unga was in a different class. He controlled the game with his boot, brought his running more into play when things opened up and tackled superbly. It was a confident, mature display.
✪ Jackson Hemopo gave a hugely physical performance at lock where he was into everything and showed a willingness to put his body on the line.
✪ George Bridge came o the bench scored with his first touch, created a try for Proctor with his second and scored again with his third.