So the Brave Blossoms were dealt with competently if not impressively by the All Blacks - but we must give credit to the progress Japanese rugby has made in the last 20 years, and it's probably a good thing for international rugby that the ABs can't really put 100 points past them nowadays, even if the type of rugby on offer isn't the most attractive.
There were players who stood out, and players who failed to take their chances.
In my opinion, Tawera Kerr-Barlow has worked himself out of a starting place although he should still be on the bench - but this puts him in danger of being overtaken by a fit TJ Perenara.
I've never been a fan of Kerr-Barlow but to me, he makes poor decisions with ball in hand - and picks up the ball far too early meaning he's fair game to opposing forwards as was evident in that Super Rugby Final earlier this year. Nevertheless, with no Piri Weepu, expect Kerr-Barlow to wear the number 21 jersey in Paris.
Francis Sai'ili has the signs of a young Ma'a Nonu - dangerous with ball in hand, but the trouble is he can't really keep the ball in hand. He will get better but his time definitely hasn't come yet and expect him to be a squad member for a while yet with Nonu and Ben Smith in the centres.
Beauden Barrett had a shocker of a game but has proven to be a good player of the bench. However, with Cory Jane back and selectors keen to give him some game time, Barrett might very well be given a break this week - that could very well be interpreted by the media in many ways though.
One player who should be considered as a starter is Charles Piutau. He made the most of his opportunities playing at wing in black for the first time and given his ability under the high ball, he is favourites to take one of the wing/fullback places.
I don't think Cory Jane may be quite ready for a starting position yet and will probably come off the bench against France so Piutau's strong performance might very well reward him with the 14 jersey again against France and a chance to show people that he can do it against a top side and not just Japan.
Dane Coles might very well be the frontrunner to retain his place in the side after a solid display against Japan but with France known to be powerful scrummagers, one wonders if Andrew Hore might be preferred as starter - Horey did come off the bench with great effect in the 2nd half and knows the Gallic tricks at scrum time inside and out. Coles could come off the bench though and bring his ball carrying abilities in the 2nd half.
Don't forget that the likes of Israel Dagg, Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock are expected to return so this will be very much the first choice All Blacks XV but the bench could be very interesting given the subs on tour.
As for the likes of Frank Halai, Luke Whitelock and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, I think they would have enjoyed their first games for the All Blacks and that will inspire them to improve their game and push the current mainstays in the team. On the big stage, they performed respectably and definitely did not look out of place. The next challenge is to ensure they're not one-cap wonders but I think they do not fit that category at all.
It is just a testament to the immense depth and power of New Zealand rugby now that the All Blacks can pick so many good players young and old and still win with ease.
So this is my team to feature against France in Paris next Saturday -
1.Tony Woodcock
2.Andrew Hore
3.Owen Franks
4.Sam Whitelock
5.Brodie Retallick
6.Liam Messam
7.Richie McCaw (captain)
8.Kieran Read
9.Aaron Smith
10.Dan Carter
11.Julian Savea
12.Ma'a Nonu
13.Ben Smith
14.Charles Piutau
15.Israel Dagg
SUBS
16.Dane Coles
17.Wyatt Crockett
18.Charlie Faumuina
19.Steven Luatua
20.Sam Cane
21.Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22.Aaron Cruden
23.Cory Jane
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