On this day: All Blacks smash Japan in rout

IF the previous day saw the Battle of Boet Erasmus in Gqeberha between the Springboks and Canada, then June 4 witnessed the “Massacre of Free State Stadium”.

- MORGAN BOLTON

Japan, competing in their third World Cup in 1995, were not expected to trouble New Zealand in their Pool C clash in Bloemfontein, despite given a good account of themselves in a 50-28 loss to Ireland in their previous match.

Nonetheless, no one expected the destruction that would be unleashed on them in a result that still holds several records today.

Remarkably, it was very much an All Blacks B-team, captained by flanker Paul Henderson, selected to face the Brave Blossoms on a sunny winter's day in the Free State.

Of the starting XV that would contest the final on 24 June, only prop Craig Dowd, brothers Robin and Zinzan Brooke, and outside backs Jeff Wilson and Glen Osborne featured in the match.