Rugby World Cup 1995 | On this day: All Blacks annihilate Japan in record-breaking 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".

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.

What followed was a 21-try, 145–17 rout, with the match described as more of a training run for the Kiwis than a proper Test. It remains the highest aggregate points scored (162), the most total tries (23), and the most conversions (22) – not only in Rugby World Cup history but in any Test match.

The 145 points scored by the All Blacks remains the most by a team in a Test. Surprisingly, the game does not hold the record for the biggest winning margin – that unwanted distinction belongs to Uruguay, who lost 142–0 to Australia eight years later.

New Zealand fly-half Simon Culhane’s 45-point haul – consisting of one try and 20 conversions – remains the highest individual total in a Test match and the most points scored on international debut. The six tries scored by centre Marc Ellis also remain the most in a Rugby World Cup match.

The result was a significant setback for Japanese rugby, stalling their development for several years. It would take nearly two decades – culminating in the “Miracle in Brighton” when they beat South Africa in 2015 – to erase the memory of this horror show.

For the All Blacks, it only enhanced their aura and solidified their status as favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

The other Pool C game on the day was far more dramatic. It was difficult to predict who would win between Ireland and Wales. In the 10 encounters prior to their clash, at Ellis Park in front of 40,000 spectators, the Irish held a narrow edge, with five victories and one 21–21 draw, in 1991.

It was a must-win match for both sides, who had each lost to New Zealand but beaten Japan, with a play-off spot at stake. What followed was a match full of endeavour from both nations. Ireland led 14–6 at half-time and held a narrow 21–16 advantage with 10 minutes to play.

Irish flyhalf Eric Elwood slotted a match-winning penalty during that period, one that even a late converted try from Welsh flanker Hemi Taylor could not overturn. The 24–23 loss knocked Wales out of the tournament, while Ireland progressed to a quarter-final clash with France.

Pool B also concluded on the day, with Italy narrowly beating Argentina 31–25 in a dead rubber, while England confirmed themselves as group winners with a 44–22 victory over Samoa.