Isaia Walker-Leawere during the Māori All Blacks match against a Japan XV on 19 June. Photo: Photosport
Japan XV has scored a first-ever win over the Māori All Blacks.
Head coach Ross Filipo had made a handful of changes to his team ahead of the match at Toyota Stadium in Tokyo.
But they were not strong enough to catch up to the Japan side and never hit the front at any point in the 80-minute match.
The final score was 26-14.
Relive all the action with our live blog:
Rameka Poihipi will captain the Māori for the first time.
Coach Ross Filipo said his side had extra motivation in their opening match in Tokyo, dedicating the win to Connor Garden-Bachop.
The Māori All Blacks claim a decisive win in their first of two matches in Japan.
The Māori All Blacks found themselves in the unfamiliar position of facing a haka when they arrived in Tokyo on Thursday.
The Chiefs assistant coach has been named in the role ahead of a clash with Japan next month.
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