New Zealand’s Autumn tour got off to a rather inconspicuous start with a narrow 38 – 31 win over Japan in Tokyo.
Renowned as giant slayers having previously knocked over Ireland, South Africa and Wales as well as picking up a draw with France. The Brave Blossoms have emerged as true tier one rugby nation in recent years.
Pushing a makeshift All Blacks side to the brink was yet another reminder less than a year out from the World Cup that Japan cannot be underestimated.
In a highly entertaining fixture that had plenty of action, experienced All Black second row Brodie Retallick continued a general trend of ill-discipline that has plagued this All-Blacks set-up so far in 2022.
Hitting a ruck with reckless abandonment and very little technique, Retallick was shown a red card for his efforts.
As World Rugby looks to clamp down on dangerous play, Retallick’s latest indiscretion could see him in the dock with the citing committee.
This is sickening from Retallick. I honestly think that criminal prosecutions for acts like this might be the only thing that finally rids the game of them. Cue all the dickheads saying rugby’s gone soft. https://t.co/HPv9SWgKG6
— Mike Bubbins (@MikeBubbins) October 29, 2022
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