NZ vs Japan - Match thread

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Rather poignant minute's silence for the Christchurch and Japan earthquake victims.

And the game's underway.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Turnover ball for NZ just inside the Japanese half. Shifted through the back line for Conrad Smith to score, and Slade converts. 7-0 after 4 minutes.

[LondonTiger]

Last two passes of that try were forward. Pass to Smith was marginal but he takes it in fron of where man passed from, Nonu's pass more clear cut - ball received about 2m in front of where nonu passed it from.

[mckay1402]

Stupidly left my laptop at home today so can't watch it. BBC is seriously rubbish for updates

[Cari]

This is going to be a bit of a top heavy score eh?

[Cymroglan]

It was fitting to remember the earthquake victims in this match.. R,I,P

[Cari]

Mckay - yeah I'm in work, I'd rather use 606v2 than the BBC!

[Cymroglan]

I have Japan by 10 after reading stuff on here yesterday it seems like NZ have no chance when DC and RMc are missing

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Last two passes of that try were forward. Pass to Smith was marginal but he takes it in fron of where man passed from, Nonu's pass more clear cut - ball received about 2m in front of where nonu passed it from.

I thought the pass to Smith was slightly forward, didn't notice the one to Nonu.

[mckay1402]

I very much doubt BBC will be able to keep up. Come on chaps and chappettes Cari and I are relying on you!

[Cari]

What are the scores Kiwi Doors?

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Still 7-0, Slade missed a penalty.

[Cari]

Interesting...I'd have thought they'd wracked up another seven just now

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Not a good start by Toeava. But an early try and good to see us going for the goal but not so good to see Slade miss. Shouldn´t turn this game into a game of touch. Got to keep shape and do basics well. Nice play by Japan. They are one of my favourite teams to watch. They´re like Duracell bunnies on speed.

[Guest]

Japan are threatening briefly, but another turnover. NZ are on the Japanese halfway line

[Guest]

Penalty for NZ. Going for touch.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Now going for touch instead of the 3. Rolling maul practice. Then shift out wide and Kahui finishes well.

[Guest]

Try Kahui. Good for my dreamteam. Right in the left corner

[damage_13]

liking Japan going for a 10m lineout instead of kicking for goal, 12 phases of 'can they score' good intent, but can they keep it up ?

[Cari]

Kahui! Wish I could see....

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Nonu is in great touch. Kaino is looking menacing too. He used to be the junior member of the backrow but is now an integral part of the team.

Japan seem to like the quick penalties. Trying to play this game at pace. I think they need to be composed and go for touch. Their locks are tiny but they need territory.

[rodders]

How's this one going folks? I have a feeling Japan may struggle to reproduce their heroic display that they put in against France.

[mckay1402]

Kahui! Wish I could see....

HA HA

[Guest]

Try imminent for the All Blacks and Kaino has it.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Forwards decide to have a crack themselves after Jane did well to gain some ground to get close to the line. Good to see Kaino get reward.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Conversion misses. 17-0

[Guest]

Pretty easy kick missed by Slade there. 17-0

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Slade missing goals and now a knock on. He just needs to calm down and not worry about the goal kicking.

[HERSH]

NZ should have picked Donald, oh well NZ loss is Bath's gain.

So it looks like if NZ lose Carter then the rest of us might stand a chance, roll on the French game.

but its sad situation, once again the RWC throws up a mismatch!

The format needs to change to stop these pointless games taking place.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Crooked feed. How many of those calls will there be tonight?

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Mealamu in after a sweeping move

[Guest]

Try Mealamu. Nonu is punching holes for fun

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Japan fail to prevent the tackled player to offload and Mealamu scores after too many numbers out wide.

[Cymroglan]

I hope Japan gets something on the scoreboard even if it's only a penalty.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Ellis's turn, under the bar

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Smith cuts through and Ellis supports inside. Try.

[Guest]

Try Ellis. Good burst by Conrad Smith. 31-0 after the conversion.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Nonu again cleverly going inside and nice passing for Slade to score under the posts.

[Guest]

Try Slade. This is hard to keep up with now. 38-0.

[HERSH]

What good is this game doing for rugby!

After all the good work Japan did against France too, sad day for rugby

[LondonTiger]

six tries - this is now embarrassing.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Nonu is on fire! He´s going to be so important later on in the tournament.

[damage_13]

Crooked feed. How many of those calls will there be tonight?

crooked? it was perfectly straight!!.... straight to his own side!

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Japan scrum get hammered back and penalised. Good to see Woodcock with no obvious complaints.

[Cari]

I see Nigey's reffing. I just sneaked a peak and saw the Kiwi's try just now as the security guards have it on their TV downstairs. Would love to sit and watch it with them

[Cymroglan]

Some positive moves shown by Japan just before half time,, They were at least running in the right direction.

[Guest]

whats the score guys?

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Halftime. Japan still with everything to play for. They just need 7 tries and they´re right back in this.

You feel sorry for them after their proud display against France. If they do score expect the biggest cheer of the night. But that´s where NZ must be ruthless. Ted will no doubt empty the bench in the second half and they will be looking to put in a better second half display than against Tonga.

[Cari]

We need numbehs! Is it 50 - 0 yet?

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

38-0.

Though last time NZ played them it was 85-3 at half-time

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