Johnny Sexton celebrated his 100th cap with a second-half try as Ireland warmed up for a meeting with the All Blacks next weekend with a crushing 60-5 win over Japan. The Ireland captain Sexton marked his milestone appearance by claiming the fifth of nine tries at a below-capacity Aviva Stadium. He also converted 11 points. Andrew Conway ran in a hat-trick while James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, the midfield duo Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose, and the replacement prop Cian Healy were also on the scoresheet for the commanding hosts. Japan’s consolation came from Siosaia Fifita but they were outclassed and powerless to prevent the Irish stretching their winning streak to six successive games. Sexton became only the seventh Irishman to reach a century of appearances following Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, Rory Best, Paul O’Connell, John Hayes and current team-mate Healy and was afforded a standing ovation ahead of kick-off. The 36-year-old Sexton said the try he scored was one of the best moments of his career. He was presented with a samurai sword by his opponents before the game. “We’re happy that the performance matched the occasion,” said Ireland’s coach Andy Farrell. “Our defence was outstanding. We put pressure on Japan and they spilled the ball a bit and we kept calm and clinical in attack. It was nice to see things come to fruition.” New Zealand set world records for the most Test points and tries scored in a calendar year as a second-string All Blacks team crossed the line seven times in a 47-9 win over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Ian Foster’s side have scored 96 tries in 2021, breaking Argentina’s record of 92 set in 2003, while their total points tally now stands at 675, eclipsing South Africa’s 658-point haul from 2007. The former All Black Kieran Crowley was making his debut as Italy head coach, while his New Zealand counterpart Foster named a new lineup after last week’s 54-16 win in Wales. It was New Zealand’s third successive win of their autumn tour ahead of the remaining Tests against Ireland and France. Tries from debutant Thibaud Flament and Peato Mauvaka in the second half saw France clinch a 29-20 victory over Argentina at the Stade de France. Melvyn Jaminet kicked 19 point in total to ensure a spirited comeback from the Pumas – who had led 10-9 at the break – ultimately ended in vain despite Mateo Carreras’ late score.