In a test that should have provided a perfect opportunity for players to step up and fill the void of many of the unavailable stars, it instead shined a light on New Zealand's depth.
With the Rugby World Cup just a year away, coach Ian Foster will have some big calls to make before their next test against Wales in a week - including around his own gameplan.
Too much of New Zealand's attack revolved around players breaking the gainline, and while it did pay off on occasion, it left a lot to be desired as a whole.
The usual suspects came through with powerful runs against a gutsy Japanese outfit, but missed tackles, errors and ill-discipline late overshadowed the victory.
1-George Bower 5
Strong in the scrum, if not dominant, but missed a couple of tackles, including one in the lead up to Japan's first try of the test.
2-Samisoni Taukei'aho 7.5
Had an off night throwing into the lineout, but was illustrious as always in open play, bumping off one defender before sending Brodie Rettalick over for the game's first try. Delivered a bullet of a lineout throw to link up with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and put Sevu Reece in for a try.
3-Nepo Laulala - 6
Much like Bower, was strong at the scrum but rather quiet in open play. Powerful performance in his long-awaited return to action.
4-Brodie Retallick - 4
The towering lock scored the game's first try courtesy of a stampeding Taukei'aho run, but was shown a red card for making contact with a Japanese player's head with his shoulder at the breakdown, which left the All Blacks scrambling to close out the win.
5-Tupou Vaa'i - 5.5
Was good in the lineout, strong over the ball at the ruck, winning a couple of turnovers. But like many of his teammates, guilty of forcing the pass.
6-Shannon Frizell - 5
Showing all his worth again as an extra lineout option, but coughed up an offload as he tried linking up with an unmarked Braydon Ennor.
7-Sam Cane - 6
Made a good turnover early on, was busy on defence, making a game-high 12 tackles. Did well to offload the ball at a standstill to free up his outside backs. Made a great tackle around the bootlaces to keep Japan out - if not only momentarily.
8-Hoskins Sotutu 7
Made bruising runs in the early exchanges, but was guilty of being too eager and lost the ball before the tryline. Put Ennor over for the try with a handy offload. Got rewarded with a try with a clever spin and put down.
9-Finlay Christie - 4
Delivered crisp passing to set up charging runs by his forwards, but was left wanting on defence, committing too soon and allowing Japan to cross for the try right before halftime. Also at fault for another try, with his box kick charged down.
10-Richie Mo'unga 5.5
Made a huge hit to put an end to a dangerous Japanese attack. Struggled with his kicking, but almost inspired another All Blacks try with a clever nudge over the top, but for some great cover defence to deny Braydon Ennor.
11-Caleb Clarke 7
Much like he has been most of the season, was New Zealand's best back. Made a good turnover and was eager to get involved in all facets of the game. Scored the first try of the second half with a trademark powerful run. Even packed down at the scrum in Rettalick's absence.
12-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6.5
Struggled early on for cohesion with his outside backs, but found his offload game late on. Showed brilliant awareness and touch to take in the long lineout throw and send Reece over for the try. Definitely grew into the game which is encouraging.
13-Braydon Ennor 6.5
Denied earlier, but strolled in for New Zealand's second try after some beautiful offloading between the backs - albeit off a seemingly forward pass. Did well when called upon.
14-Sevu Reece 6
Gave Japan excellent terrority to launch an attack after kicking the ball out on the ball, leading to their first points of the test through a penalty kick. Showed all his pace to beat two defenders and run in for a try.
15-Stephen Perofeta 5
Linked up well with his Blues teammates with impressive offloads, but struggled to clean up a Japan kick, which led to their first try of the game. A tough first hitout for the fullback.
Reserves:
17-Ofa Tu'ungafasi - 7
Carried on New Zealand's dominance at the scrum, even winning a penalty with a back packing down.
18-Tyrel Lomax - 6
Much like Tu'ungafasi, carried on from where his predecessor left off with a strong performance at the scrum.
19-Patrick Tuipulotu 6.5
Provided some much-needed grunt with a couple of strong tackles against a desperate Japanese outfit.
20-Dalton Papali'i - 8
Combined with Smith to snatch the game-sealing turnover at the death to deny Japan. Made a ridiculous nine tackles in just 14 minutes of action.
21-Aaron Smith - 6
22-David Havili - 6
Did well to stop a Japanese attack in its tracks with an intercept, but lost the ball as he came down.
23-Anton Lienert-Brown - 7
Made a crucial tackle on the Japanese winger to roll him into touch with New Zealand a man down. Also made two huge tackles late to pin Japan back in their final attempt of stealing the test.
