Scott Hansen on the certain Springboks flavour in All Blacks win

A 64-19 win has spiked the usage of the term “pleased” within the All Blacks coaching group considerably as the team began their final slate of 2024 Tests on a high in Tokyo.

There were indeed plenty of positives to be found throughout the 80 minutes, although defensively, the opening 20 minutes saw Japan score two well-orchestrated tries while a 30-minute period during the second half saw a familiar quiet period from the Kiwis where no points were registered in their favour.

The second half of Tests throughout the 2024 Rugby Championship were trying for the All Blacks, with leads slipping and deficits worsening against each of their three opponents.

Wallaby squad announcement

Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt explains his squad selections

Wallaby squad announcement

Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt explains his squad selections

One thing you can count on though is New Zealand’s ambition persevering, and as their 10 tries attest, there was plenty of attacking intent in Tokyo.

“Really pleasing, we had a performance we can build off,” assistant coach Scott Hansen reviewed following the final whistle, speaking to Sir John Kirwin for The Breakdown.

“At times, our support play and ability to keep the ball alive, some really good defensive sets also. We were challenged, we had to adjust during it, there were moments there that took a lot of composure. The boys did that well.

“Pleasing around the leadership as well, really happy for Patty (Tuipulotu) today, leading the All Blacks and leading really well.”

Points Flow Chart

New Zealand win +45

Time in lead

8

Mins in lead

68

10%

% Of Game In Lead

82%

50%

Possession Last 10 min

50%

0

Points Last 10 min

14

Tuipulotu became the 82nd All Blacks captain over the weekend in an impressive 80-minute performance from the 31-year-old.

While the skipper’s shift lasted the whole game, five of his counterparts from the forward pack were replaced simultaneously at the 50-minute mark, a strategy commonly employed by South Africa when deploying their famous bomb squad.

“I must admit, sitting in the stand when the boys went out, it was a familiar look we’ve seen around the world,” the coach grinned, reflecting on the moment.

“But, it shouldn’t matter. Whether you go on as an individual or two, three, four, five, you’re going on to a Test match, just be ready and perform well.

“Yes, the tempo, we dropped off around the accuracy in our game to be fair. Some discipline around our defence, we turned some ball over and kicked back to them. So, there’s some learnings there for sure, there always is.

“But I don’t believe we look at the three, four, five that go on at the same time and say it’s that moment, I just think we need to be better.”

With the noted struggles late in recent contests, the coaching staff have been active in searching for solutions. Reshuffling the matchday 23 to better distribute the youth and experience while lifting intensity have been the big foci so far, and it appears taking a leaf out of the world champions’ book may have just been a one-off.

Looking ahead to their European tour, Hansen acknowledged the lineup of opponents – England, Ireland, France and Italy – makes it one of the most challenging in recent memory.

“You take each game as it comes but there must be a process, so you work towards what that can look like each week. The fact is, it’s a very tough three weeks, very challenging. We’re excited for it.

“It’s a massive opportunity to see where we’re at as a group. We’ll learn from it. There is planning in behind what that may look like, but it’s the adjustment that we’ll need to facilitate each week. The first focus will always be what the next Test is, and that’s England.”