PREVIEW: All Blacks v Japan (Yokohama)

Match Details: All Blacks v Japan, Saturday 26 October, 6.50pm NZT, International Stadium Yokohama

Played: 5

Won: All Blacks 5, Japan 0

Last time: All Blacks 38, Japan 31, 29 October 2022, National Stadium, Tokyo

Referee: Jordan Way (Australia)

LOWDOWN ON THE ALL BLACKS

Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the All Blacks for the first time against Japan in Yokohama, with Sam Cane and Anton Lienert-Brown as Vice-Captains. Two players, Peter Lakai and Ruben Love, are set for their All Blacks Test debuts, with Pasilio Tosi making his first start at prop. Tosi will be joined in the front row by Tamaiti Williams and Asafo Aumua, while Sam Darry partners Tuipulotu at lock. The loose forward trio includes Wallace Sititi, Samipeni Finau, and Cane. Cameron Roigard returns at halfback, Stephen Perofeta is back from injury at fullback, and Billy Proctor earns his second cap at centre. Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece start on the wings, with Damian McKenzie at first five-eighth.

EDDIE JONES CALLS FOR ALL OUT ATTACK

Japan coach Eddie Jones has set a clear challenge for his Brave Blossoms ahead of Saturday's Test against the All Blacks in Yokohama. Known for his high-profile coaching stints with Australia, England, and South Africa, Jones led Japan to their famous win over the Springboks at the 2015 World Cup. Back in charge of Japan this year, Jones’ team has had mixed results, including a 17-41 loss to Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup final. Japan last faced the All Blacks in 2022, narrowly losing 31-38 in Tokyo. Jones wants his team to relentlessly challenge New Zealand, saying, "We want to play like Japan from the first minute to the 80th and not stop challenging New Zealand."

WORD ACCORDING TO RAZOR

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the team was looking forward to getting the Northern Tour underway. “We have had a fantastic few days in Tokyo so far and the energy in the group as we kick off this tour is exciting to see.  We will bring that energy when we face the Brave Blossoms on Saturday, as we know that Japan will play a fast, attacking game.

“We are all thrilled for Ruben and Peter who will get their chance to make their mark on the black jersey for the first time, and for Stephen and Cam who have both worked hard to make their return from injury. Congratulations also to Patrick for being named as All Blacks Captain. Pat has great mana, leadership and experience; it’s a proud moment for him and his whānau,” Robertson said.

KEY FACTS

• The All Blacks will face Japan at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium, a 72,000-capacity venue and a key location during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
• While the All Blacks have played four Tests in Yokohama, this will be their first match there against Japan.
• The All Blacks and Japan have met seven times, with New Zealand winning all encounters. Their largest victory was a 145-17 win at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
• The last match between the two teams saw the All Blacks win 38-31 in Tokyo in 2022.
• Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the All Blacks for the first time, becoming the 82nd captain and the sixth of Samoan descent.

TEAMS:

All Blacks (Caps in brackets)

1. Tamaiti Williams (14) 2. Asafo Aumua (15) 3. Pasilio Tosi (3) 4.  Sam Darry (5) 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (46) (Captain) 6. Samipeni Finau (4) 7. Sam Cane (100) (Vice-Captain) 8.    Wallace Sititi (5) 9. Cam Roigard (5) 10. Damian McKenzie (56) 11.  Mark Tele’a (15) 12.  Anton Lienert-Brown (79) (Vice-Captain) 13.  Billy Proctor (1) 14. Sevu Reece (30) 15.  Stephen Perofeta (5)

Substitutes:  16. George Bell (1) 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (63) 18. Fletcher Newell (20) 19. Josh Lord (6) 20. Peter Lakai* 21. TJ Perenara (87) 22. David Havili (28) 23. Ruben Love*

Japan

1.Takato Okabe, 2. Atsushi Sakate, 3. Shuhei Takeuchi, 4. Sanaila Waqa, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Amato Fakatava, 7. Kazuki Himeno, 8. Faulua Makisi, 9. Shinobu Fujiwara, 10. Harumichi Tatekawa (captain), 11. Malo Tuitama, 12. Nicholas McCurran, 13. Dylan Riley, 14. Jone Naikabula, 15. Yoshitaka Yazaki.

Substitutes: 16. Mamoru Harada, 17. Takayoshi Mohara, 18. Opeti Helu, 19. Epenari Uluiviti, 20. Kanji Shimokawa, 21. Taiki Koyama, 22. Tomoki Osada, 23. Takuro Matsunaga.