3 days ago International Rugby Six favours the All Blacks need from Santa's little helpers
I only have a few things on my list of rugby Christmas wishes from Santa this year. None of them are too much to ask, either.
Japan face off against All Blacks in Internationals on Fri 2nd November 2018 at . Kick-off in the UK is scheduled for 05:45. In South Africa it’s at 07:45 SAST, 18:45 NZST in New Zealand, 16:45 AEST in Australia and 22:45 EST in the US.
All Blacks won the last encounter but All Blacks are in the best form of their last 5 games.
Heading into the fixture, All Blacks sits at 2 in the World Rugby Rankings, while Japan holds 12.
The two sides are separated by 10 places in the rankings with Japan in position 12 and All Blacks in position 2 as such All Blacks are favourites on paper.
The official squads for Japan vs All Blacks will become available around 24- 48 hours before kick-off. Teams can still make changes up to an hour before the match however.
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Yu Tamura does the business as his conversion attempt goes over.
Slick passing by Japan leads to a try for Timothy Lafaele.
What an effort there by George Bridge as he scores the try.
Jordie Barrett makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
Brilliant skill shown there by Ngani Laumape as he goes over the white wash for a try.
Richie Mo'unga converts the try.
Incisive passing by New Zealand is finished off by Matt Proctor, as he goes over for the try.
Silky skills by New Zealand ends with a try for Waisake Naholo.
What a kick! Jamie Henry takes full advantage to score for Japan.
Richie Mo'unga has kicked a conversion.
A wonderful passing move by New Zealand is finished off by George Bridge.
Timothy Lafaele scores the try from close range.
The New Zealand supporters go wild as Richie Mo'unga successfully kicks the conversion.
Ngani Laumape goes on his own for a try.
The touch judges raise their flags as Richie Mo'unga kicks the conversion.
A series of passes by New Zealand results in a try for Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.
Yu Tamura adds the two points for Japan.
Japan are only a few metres out, surely they must score! And they do with Hendrik Tui touching down.
Richie Mo'unga does the business as his conversion attempt goes over.
The kick through from New Zealand has allowed Ngani Laumape to touch down.
Richie Mo'unga makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
A bit of individual brilliance by Richie Mo'unga leads to a try for New Zealand.
Richie Mo'unga converts the try.
Great hands by New Zealand leads to a try for Dane Coles.
Yu Tamura has kicked a conversion.
A stunning solo try from Samuela Anise.
Richie Mo'unga has kicked a penalty goal.