The All Blacks have embraced Japan and are looking forward to contesting the Rugby World Cup in a "special" country, New Zealand captain Kieran Read said Saturday after leading his side to a 37-20 win over Australia in the Bledisloe Cup. Following the victory in front of
The All Blacks have embraced Japan and are looking forward to contesting the Rugby World Cup in a « special » country, New Zealand captain Kieran Read said Saturday after leading his side to a 37-20 win over Australia in the Bledisloe Cup.
Following the victory in front of 46,143 at Nissan Stadium — a Japanese record attendance for a test match — the 33-year-old Read said his team had been deeply moved by the way they had been received in Japan.
« It’s a special place, Japan. We’ve found out this week how special it is and really embraced it, » said Read, whose team’s focus has turned from the Wallabies to next Saturday’s test against Japan at the same venue.
« We’ve got some really great fans here as well, who have really shown us great support through the week, so we’re looking forward to continuing that next week against Japan. »
The No. 8 said the Bledisloe match had provided a valuable opportunity to face world-class opposition at the venue for New Zealand’s World Cup 2019 opener against South Africa, as well as the ground where the tournament final will take place.
« In terms of the information that we’ll get for next year from the game, it was awesome to see the crowd that turned out tonight, » he said.
