All Blacks Dominate Japan in Frenetic Rugby Test: Key Highlights and Line-ups

The All Blacks faced off against Japan in a highly anticipated rugby test match on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama. This encounter marked the sixth meeting between the two teams, with the All Blacks having won all previous matches.

The match saw the All Blacks start strongly, reflecting their historical dominance over Japan. The All Blacks have a significant lead in the head-to-head statistics, having scored 389 points to Japan’s 92 across their five previous meetings. The largest margin of victory was a 145-17 thrashing at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where Marc Ellis scored a record six tries and Simon Culhane kicked 20 conversions.

In the recent match, the All Blacks fielded a strong lineup, including Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, and captain Patrick Tuipulotu. Japan, led by captain Harumichi Tatekawa, put up a spirited performance but ultimately could not overcome the All Blacks’ superior firepower. The Japanese team, however, has been getting closer in recent years, with their smallest margin of defeat being a 38-31 loss in 2022.

Australian referee Jordan Way officiated the match, his first test in charge of the All Blacks but not his first involvement with either team, having previously refereed a Japan test against Uruguay in 2022. The match was broadcast on Sky Sport 1 and livestreamed on Sky Sport Now, with live commentary available on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport, and iHeartRadio.

The weather conditions at the International Stadium Yokohama were rainy with a temperature of 20°C, which did not seem to hinder the intensity of the game. The All Blacks’ forward pack, known for its power, played a crucial role in their performance, although Japan’s efforts were commendable and kept the game competitive until the end.