Jonah Lowe of the Māori All Blacks. Photo: Tsutomu Kishimoto / www.photosport.nz
The Māori All Blacks kicked off Ross Filipo's tenure in style, overpowering the Japan XV 53-20 at Prince Chichibu Stadium in Tokyo. The match featured a second-half blitz from the Māori that saw them cross for six unanswered tries.
Trailing 17-15 at halftime, the visitors took control early in the second half when lock Laghlan McWhannell crashed over, setting the tone for a dominant final 40 minutes. Although Japanese first five Sam Greene momentarily closed the gap with a penalty, the home side had no answer as the Māori side ran riot.
Zarn Sullivan, Sam Nock, Jahrome Brown, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and Kaleb Trask all dotted down after the break, adding to earlier efforts from Cole Forbes, Gideon Wrampling and Kurt Eklund. The nine-try performance delivered a powerful statement in their sole match in Japan this year.
Despite two first half tries from Kazuma Ueda, the Japan XV couldn't sustain their momentum, eventually wilting under the Māori All Blacks' relentless pressure in the humid, 30 degree Tokyo conditions.
The Māori All Blacks now head home to face Scotland in Whāngarei next weekend.
See how it all unfolded below:
