New Zealand v Japan, Rugby World Cup, September 16
All Blacks eye easy pickings
ESPNscrum Staff
September 12, 2011
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New Zealand's Jeff Wilson crosses to score his second try and equal John Kirwan's try-scoring record, New Zealand v Italy, World Cup, Huddersfield, October 14 1999
Jeff Wilson scored a hat-trick against Japan during the 1995 Rugby World Cup © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: John Kirwan | Jeff Wilson
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: Japan | New Zealand

New Zealand will look to continue their historical dominance over Japan when the two sides meet in Hamilton on Friday.

The All Blacks destroyed Japan 145-17 in the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Bloemfontein in the only match-up between the two teams. In a chastening experience for Japan, New Zealand ran in 21 tries with Marc Ellis claiming a record six on his return to the side. Wingers Eric Rush and Jeff Wilson both grabbed hat-tricks while fly-half Simon Culhane ended the game with 20 conversions.

A New Zealand select XV toured Japan in 1987 and won two games in Osaka and Tokyo. Current Japan coach John Kirwan scored two tries in a 74-0 victory on October 25 which was followed up with a 106-4 win in Tokyo a week later, when Kirwin bagged a hat-trick and No.8 Zinzan Brooke claimed four tries.

New Zealand v Japan All-time record: Played: 1, New Zealand won 1, Japan won 0.

Biggest winning margin: 128 - New Zealand (145-17) in Bloemfontein, June 4, 1995.

Highest score: 145 - New Zealand (145-17) in Bloemfontein, June 4, 1995.

Most tries: NZ: 21 (145-17) New Zealand (145-17) in Bloemfontein, June 4, 1995; Japan: 2 (17-145) Bloemfontein, June 4, 1995.

Most points (individual): NZ: Simon Culhane 45; Japan: Hiroyuki Kajihara 10.

Most tries (individual): NZ : 6 Marc Ellis; Japan: Hiroyuki Kajihara 2.

Previous Rugby World Cup meetings:: One

  • Click here for New Zealand's full Test record courtesy of Statsguru

  • Click here for Japan Test record courtesy of Statsguru

  • Click here for a record of all New Zealand v Japan matches courtesy of Statsguru

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