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Blues name full-strength squad for Japan pre-season tour
By Ned Lester
The Blues have joined the Chiefs in bringing their full contingent of international stars to Japan for two pre-season fixtures against the best League One sides.
The Auckland team left for Japan on Wednesday morning ahead of their game against Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath on Saturday. They play the Yokohama Canon Eagles the following weekend.
Three-time All Black Stephen Perofeta said the team couldn't hit to hit the field again after the summer break.
"It's been two months [in pre-season], and we're itching not to beat each other up anymore and to be able to put it on another team.
"The Japanese, they'll be seasoned and battle-hardened, so it's a good time for us to see where we're at."
With Beauden Barrett spending the 2024 season abroad, Perofeta is eyeing the N0. 10 jersey, but knows he faces stiff competition from the likes of the ever-improving Zarn Sullivan.
"It's a massive opportunity for me and anyone fighting for that 10 jersey. It's never a given, and I know I've got to earn it, and I know it is there for the taking."
The game offers the first chance to see numerous All Blacks back in action since the Rugby World Cup final, and also the first chance to see the Blues under new head coach Vern Cotter.
The former Fiji head coach is embracing a more player-driven environment, lending to more tactical leadership responsibilities for playmakers, something Perofeta is excited by.
"It's something I've taken on board and it's a role that I look forward to."
Coverage for the Cross-Border rugby matchup between the Blues and Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath kicks off at 3:50 on Saturday, February 3rd.
Blues squad to travel to Japan:
Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Darry, Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Akira Ioane, Jordan Lay, Laghlan McWhannell, Dalton Papali'i, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Rob Rush, Anton Segner, PJ Sheck, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Angus Ta'avao, James Thompson, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Soane Vikena; Kade Banks, Lucas Cashmore, Finlay Christie, Caleb Clarke, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes, Taufa Funaki, Leo Gordon, Meihana Grindlay, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Zarn Sullivan, Caleb Tangitau, Mark Tele'a.
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Latest Comments
This France team is as good as they were when they went into the World Cup as favorites. Have gone through a rebuild of confidence and rediscovered that form.
Neither England nor Ireland will trouble this team in the 6N. That’s my prediction.
And I guess about time too. Considering that France has won but one 6N title in 6 seasons despite being the best French team for generations thriving off the platform which is the Top 14.
They must just beware of peaking too soon and going to Australia over confident.
Which is also why I thinks it’s absolutely bonkers that France isn’t sending there best players to New Zealand next year. Yes, it isn’t Australia, but getting some SH travel experience makes more sense than not.
Go to commentsI'm not meaning to criticise the players, it's a professional game, this is their livelihood so all power to them. I am aiming criticism at the selectors. Italy is the perfect opportunity to give players of the future a game such as Lakai, Love etc. There is a finite number of tests until the next world cup to develop the team, we are wasting one today.
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