In their season opener, New Zealand's All Blacks triumphed over Japan with a decisive 64-19 victory at Yokohama's International Stadium, showcasing their attacking prowess with ten tries. Although Japan scored first and showed promise, New Zealand quickly established dominance, leading 43-12 by halftime thanks to contributions from key players like Patrick Tuipulotu and Mark Tele'a. Despite a strong start, the All Blacks faced challenges in the second half, reflecting issues in their set pieces that could be problematic in upcoming matches against tougher European teams. Japan's coach Eddie Jones highlighted the need for improvement in defense after his team struggled to contain New Zealand's fast-paced play. The match served as both a successful start for New Zealand and a wake-up call for Japan ahead of their upcoming fixtures against England and France.