Jone Naikabula, a winger from Nadroga, kicked off the scoring for Japan with an early try in their international test match against the All Blacks in Yokohama. Naikabula broke through the defense, giving the Japanese team a strong start. However, New Zealand, under the guidance of coach Scott Robertson, swiftly responded by scoring seven tries in the first half and adding three more in the second half, resulting in a decisive 64-19 victory.
Key players for the All Blacks included captain and lock Patrick Tuipulotu, number eight Wallace Sititi, and winger Mark Tele’a, while fly-half Damian McKenzie contributed with seven successful conversions. Tele’a and Tuipulotu quickly equalized just minutes after Naikabula’s try.
Despite a brief attempt to close the gap by Japan’s Faulua Makisi, the All Blacks maintained their dominance as Billy Proctor, Sam Cane, and Samipeni Finau all scored within an eight-minute span, followed by tries from Pasilio Tosi and Tamaiti Williams before halftime.
The second half saw Cam Roigard, returning to the New Zealand lineup after injury, score a try, while Japan’s Opeti Helu marked his Test debut with a notable score. The game concluded with All Blacks debutant Ruben Love crossing the line twice in the last two minutes.
Looking ahead, the All Blacks will take on England at Twickenham on November 2, followed by upcoming matches against Ireland, France, and Italy.
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