All Blacks’ reserves thrash Japan in Tokyo

A second-string All Blacks side featuring eight debutants have crushed Japan 69-31 in a point-fest in Tokyo with centre Ngani Laumape running in a hat-trick for the world champions.

New Zealand scored 10 tries on Saturday with five-eighth Richie Mo’unga contributing 22 points.

The All Blacks taught next year’s World Cup hosts a tough lesson in front a record crowd for a rugby match in Japan of 43,751 at the Ajinomoto Stadium.

Hooker Dane Coles scored New Zealand’s first try on his return after almost a year out with injury, while debutant winger George Bridge scored a double, including one with his first touch as an All Black, after coming on at halftime.

Japan competed in attack by scoring 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.

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