DAVID LONG Last updated 21:54 16/09/2011
The 13-try, 83-7 rout did little to enhance the reputation of rugby as a global sport and for most of the game the only thing left to ponder was how close the All Blacks would get to reaching triple figures going into the pool clash with France on Saturday next week.
Having had to play France and New Zealand first up, the World Cup truly starts for Japan tomorrow when they can turn their attentions to winnable games against Tonga and Canada.
Those are the two games that will define Japan's tournament, not a hiding like this.
It's easy to understand John Kirwan's logic in selecting a B-team for this game and keeping his best players ready for the latter matches, but it did turn their clash with the All Blacks into a one-sided farce.
It took just three minutes for the onslaught to begin, with Conrad Smith scoring his 21st try in his 50th test, making best use of a break from Victor Vito.
Try second came in the 15th minute, with Richard Kahui going in on the right wing after most of the Japanese defence was sucked in trying to halt a rapidly-moving rolling maul on the right.
Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis and Colin Slade all scored tries later in the half as the game became anything but a contest.
Sonny Bill Williams came on for Cory Jane early in the second-half and went onto the wing.
Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams (twice), Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu and Adam Thomson all scored second half tries for the All Blacks while wing Hirotoki Onozawa was able to pick up a try to at least stop Japan being completely embarrassed.
Result:
New Zealand 83 (Richard Kahui 2, Sonny Bill Williams 2, Conrad Smith, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Adam Thomson tries; Colin Slade 9 con) Japan 7 (Hirotoki Onozawa try; Murray Williams con). HT: 38-0.
