New captain and two debutants named for All Blacks' clash with Japan

Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the All Blacks for the first time on Saturday evening when they take on Eddie Jones’ Japan in Yokohama. This All Blacks side includes two potential debutants, with Peter Lakai and Ruben Love both in line to “make their mark on the black jersey.”

Coach Scott Robertson has named a talented 23 for the clash at Nissan Stadium, with Sam Cane and Anton Lienert-Brown serving as vice-captains. Damian McKenzie also returns to the starting side after benching against the Wallabies at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.

Pasilio Tosi has been named to start a Test for the first time, with the powerful tighthead prop set to pack down alongside Asafo Aumua and Tamaiti Williams. Captain Tuipulotu joins Sam Darry in the second row to round out the tight five.

In the backrow, Samipeni Finau gets a chance at blindside flanker, while in-form backrower Wallace Sititi has been handed a maiden start in the No. 8 jumper. 100-Test flanker Sam Cane completes the starting forward pack on the openside.

For the first time since last year’s Rugby World Cup, Cam Roigard will wear the black jersey following a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a knee injury. Roigard has worked tremendously hard to get back to the Test arena, and finally, the halfback’s chance awaits.

Roigard joins McKenzie in the halves, while Lienert-Brown will link up with one-Test All Black Billy Proctor in the midfield. 2023 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Mark Tele’a starts on the left wing with Sevu Reece on the right, and Stephen Perofeta gets the nod at fullback.

On the bench, Hurricanes duo Lakai and Love are the two potential debutants. George Bell is also set to play Test number two, and Josh Lord gets another chance in the black jersey for the first time since the clash with Argentina in Auckland.

“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,” coach Scott Robertsons said.

“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 Patrik for being named as All Blacks captain. Pat has great mana, leadership and experience; it’s a proud moment for him and his whanau.

“The welcome and hospitality we have received in Japan has been very humbling, so we look forward to repaying this support with a performance to be proud of on Saturday.”

This Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup Test at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium will kick off at 6:50 pm NZST on Saturday evening.

All Blacks team to take on Japan

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

Replacements

16. George Bell
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Josh Lord
20. Peter Lakai
21. TJ Perenara
22. David Havili
23. Ruben Love

Unavailable due to injury: Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb), Dalton Papali'i (upper hamstring)