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National | 2018 Māori All Blacks

Barrett's charge down error not his fault - Hansen

A charge down on Jordie Barrett in the opening minutes may have been the biggest blunder of the All Blacks vs Japan game.

Coach Steve Hansen put it down to a lack of support.

"The charge down wasn't really his fault if you go back and have a look at the clip there should've been someone blocking."

Despite the setback, the All Blacks were quick to respond, scoring a series of three consecutive tries.   The visitors would go on to score ten tries to the home side’s five.

George Bridges was one of eight new caps who made their debuts in front of a 49,000-strong crowd.  He says the game was fun and he enjoyed it.

Fly-half Richie Mo'unga scored 22 points and relished his role as an on-field leader.

"It's awesome to start a game and take control.  It's awesome to get a full game, it's been a while," he says.

The Japanese fought hard to score the last try, but it was too little, too late.

The final score to NZ, 69-31.