New Zealand’s Autumn tour got off to a rather inconspicuous start with a narrow 38 – 31 win over Japan in Tokyo.
Renowned as giant slayers having previously knocked over Ireland, South Africa and Wales as well as picking up a draw with France. The Brave Blossoms have emerged as true tier one rugby nation in recent years.
Pushing a makeshift All Blacks side to the brink was yet another reminder less than a year out from the World Cup that Japan cannot be underestimated.
In a highly entertaining fixture that had plenty of action, experienced All Black second row Brodie Retallick continued a general trend of ill-discipline that has plagued this All-Blacks set-up so far in 2022.
Hitting a ruck with reckless abandonment and very little technique, Retallick was shown a red card for his efforts.
As World Rugby looks to clamp down on dangerous play, Retallick’s latest indiscretion could see him in the dock with the citing committee.
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