The Wolf Pack, a mix of Japanese internationals and Sunwolves players, beat a Highlanders Bravehearts side 46-22 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, in the curtain-raiser to the Super Rugby match.
The Wolf Pack led 22-7 at the break.
The Pack came out flying out of the blocks and was up 19-0 - three tries to none - after just 10 minutes. The side from Japan ran hard and straight and won the battle on the advantage line.
The Highlanders came back into the game and early in the second half got the score back to 22-21 after a nice try from centre Sio Tomkinson. He ran on to a Bryn Gatland chip kick and sprinted 40m to score the try.
It looked as though momentum had shifted but the home team could not sustain the pressure and the Japanese outfit came back into the game. It added a try through lock Yuya Ohda and when fullback Kutaro Matashima sprinted away off a poor Bravehearts pass, it was game over. The Wolf Pack scored a try off a 5m lineout right at the end to blow out the score.
The visiting side deserved the win, as it worked hard around the fringes and its backs were able to create room and ran some nice angles. The Japanese side was solid in the set piece and put some real pressure on the Highlanders Bravehearts attack.
The Bravehearts handling could have been better and they looked to push the pass too often in a crowded area. The side's continuity was not there at times and it did not break the advantage line too often.
The best performers in the lime green jersey were lock Jack Whetton and flanker McDowall, while Dillon Hunt got through plenty of defending.
New halfback Jack Stratton showed some nice touches while further out, Tomkinson showed some dash on attack and winger Jordan Hyland was strong when running the ball up.