TOKYO, Oct 29 (AFP) - The All Blacks were made to work hard for a 38-31 win over Japan in Tokyo yesterday as they kicked off their northern hemisphere tour.
Brodie Retallick was shown a 66th-minute red card for dangerous play to set up a nervy finale for New Zealand at a sold-out National Stadium.
Kazuki Himeno scored a late try but it was not enough for a spirited Japan side looking for their first win over the All Blacks.
New Zealand scored the opening try in the 11th minute when Dane Coles broke through a tackle and passed it on for Retallick to gallop home.
Ennor crossed the line in the 26th minute to finish off a slick move for the All Blacks’ second try of the afternoon.
Reece added another just over five minutes later when Richie Mo’unga flew in to pick off a long line-out throw and feed the winger for the try.
But just when it looked like Japan were out of the contest, the home side hit back with two tries shortly before half-time. ...continue reading
