Photo: Getty ImagesA second-string All Black side featuring eight new caps crushed Japan 69-31 in a thriller of a try-fest in Tokyo on Saturday, centre Ngani Laumape running in a hat-trick for the world champion. Japan was lively in attack and scored five tries to contribute to the 100-point tally for the match, but could not contain the All Blacks in defence, missing 25 tackles on the way to an overwhelming defeat. However, the new-look All Blacks soon surged into gear and, after Coles went over in the corner following a fine pass from Laumape, the All Blacks were in control. Bridge, a halftime replacement, scored the try of the game with his first touch as a test player, following a quick break from Mo’unga. The home crowd was treated to the final try of the match, a second from Lafaele with 10 minutes remaining, as Japan amassed its highest points tally against the All Blacks.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 04, 2018 15:33 UTC