A second-half rere tārewa (stampede) powered the Māori All Blacks to a 53-20 victory over the Japan XV in Tokyo.
The hosts led 17-15 at halftime, and only trailed 20-22, thanks to a second penalty goal from Sam Greene in the 50th minute.
The turning point came in the 52nd minute when Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific champion Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine) pierced through the Japanese defence and connected with Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi). While hitting the ground, the halfback popped a delightful offload to fullback Zarn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu), who scored a try.
Nock was a catalyst for pai (good) for the Māori All Blacks, scoring a 59th-minute try to open the floodgates. A break by Sullivan moved the Māori All Blacks deep into the Japan 22. After a couple of probing pods, Nock faked a pass and darted through a wide-open gap to score.
Replacement halfback Kemara Hauiti-Parapara (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou) also joined the scoring in the 72nd minute. The Māori flair and physicality ultimately proved overwhelming for Japan XV.
Japan's best moment came in the ninth minute when an errant pass from Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu) was intercepted. After five quick passes and 80 meters of dash, winger Kazuma Ueda scored the first of his two tries. The 22-year-old plays for Kobelco Steelers.
The Māori All Blacks had several standout performers. Debutant flanker Jahrome Brown (Ngāti Porou) led the tackle count with 18 tackles and made seven carries. Fellow loose forward Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue) was active with a dozen carries and ten tackles. Winger Jonah Lowe (Ngāti Pikiao) pursed work and provided some delightful touches. The Nock/Reihana pairing was effective, and little got past the robust Gideon Wrampling, who made a dozen tackles. Baylin Sullivan was lively at centre, achieving two line breaks from 11 carries.
Japan's top tackler was Shuhei Takeuchi with 16 tackles, while Charlie Lawrence, a product of Hamilton Boys’ High School, showed determination in midfield.
Filipo’s team now head home to face Scotland in Whāngarei next weekend.
Māori All Blacks 53 (Zarn Sullivan, Sam Nock, Jahrome Brown, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Kaleb Trask, Cole Forbes, Gideon Wrampling, Kurt Eklund tries, Rivez Reihana 4 con) Japan XV 17 (Kazuma Ueda 2 tries, Sam Greene 2 con, pen)