A hat-trick from Ngani Laumape has helped the All Blacks thrash Japan 69-31 in their Tokyo test match.
The 'Brave Blossoms' had the perfect start, after lock Sauela Anise charged down a clearing kick from Jordie Barrett and scored the hosts’ first points of the test.
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That was the start of a try-fest - a game that saw 15 five-pointers and 100 points scored.
The game was dominated by fantastic skills from both teams' back-lines. Richie Mo'unga controlled the game in the first half and was the instigator for much of the All Blacks’ play.
The first-five scored a try and played a big part in setting up others. He had a successful night off the tee, slotting eight from nine from all over the park.
But the night belonged to second-five Laumape, who scored three tries, created two and was at the centre of the All Blacks attack.
New Zealand took a 38-19 lead into the second-half, where the festival atmosphere continued, feeling like a video game at times.
George Bridge came onto the field at the start of the second half and was straight into the try-scoring action. His first touch in test match rugby was one he will never forget, scoring after a Mo'unga break.
The debutant from Canterbury finished the match with two tries, as he proved to be the brightest spark off an inexperienced All Blacks bench.
There were some positive signs for the home side, who scored their most points against an All Blacks side ever, putting on a show for the 43,000 spectators in attendance.
The Blossoms scored five tries against the All Blacks, which will give them some confidence, as they look to next year's World Cup at home.
All Blacks 69 (Laumape 3, Bridge 2, Coles, Naholo, Proctor, Mo'unga, Tahuriorangi tries; Mo'unga seven conversions & one penalty; Barrett one conversion) Japan 39 (Lafaele 2, Arise, Tui, Henry tries; Tamura three conversions.)
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