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Scott Robertson will use Saturday’s Test against Eddie Jones’ Japanese to test his depth and build momentum ahead of a mouth-watering next month.
After a nervy Rugby Championship, where Robertson oversaw the All Blacks’ Bledisloe Cup retention, the first-year head coach has at last turned to the next generation.
Robertson copped plenty of heat from New Zealanders for a perceived Crusaders bias during his opening few months in charge. The perennial Super Rugby-winning coach also tended to lean on experience rather than fresh blood.
It has now mostly come.
With several regulars sent to London early to prepare for their opener against England at Allianz Stadium early next month, Roberton has named Patrick Tuipulotu captain in the absence of Scott Barrett. The lock’s older brothers Jordie and Beauden haven’t been included either ahead of Tests against England, Ireland, France and Italy.
He becomes the 82nd man to lead the All Blacks and sixth with Samoan heritage.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will lead the All Blacks for the first time. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Tuipulotu is one of 11 changes to the starting XV from the one that beat the Wallabies in Wellington last month.
Flanker Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi, who has been shifted to the back of the scrum, centre Anton Lienert-Brown and winger Sevu Reece are the sole survivors in the starting side.
The front-row has plenty of size about it with Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi, while Sam Darry joins Tuipulotu in the second-row.
Bone-crunching blindside flanker Samipeni Finau makes a return to the back-row.
Fresh from returning via the National Provincial Championship, Cam Roigard is a welcomed return and joins Damian McKenzie in the halves.
There will be plenty of players hoping to grab Robertson’s attention in the backline, with Billy Proctor to start for the first time since debuting against Fiji in July.
The Hurricanes outside centre played his part in a dominant victory over Fiji in San Diego but wasn’t sighted throughout The Rugby Championship as Robertson gave Rieko Ioane plenty of time to build a combination alongside Jordie Barrett.
Cam Roigard will make his return for the All Blacks alongside Hurricanes teammate Billy Proctor. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/Getty Images)
Once again the gangly centre is paired with the consistent Lienert-Brown, with Reece and Mark Tele’a on the wings.
Stephen Perofeta returns at fullback in the absence of Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett.
There are two players in line to make their Test debuts off the bench, with Hurricanes flanker Peter Lakai and his fleet-footed Super Rugby teammate Ruben Love named.
Rising hooker George Bell, who has been another controversial figure continually kept in Robertson’s squad, will get a chance to prove his worth.
Otherwise Robertson has opted to keep plenty of experience on the bench with props Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Fletcher Newell, as well as long-time All Blacks Perenara and David Havili included.
Despite the wholesale changes the All Blacks are expected to be far too strong for Jones’ Japanese.
The former Wallabies and England coach has undertaken yet another dramatic clean out and regeneration of his side after being announced Japan’s coach for the second time last December.
Scott Robertson’s All Blacks will take on Eddie Jones’ Japanese. (Photo by Koki Nagahama/Getty Images)
The Australian’s desire to play up-tempo, relying on unstructured ball, has had its teething problems with Japan struggling for much of the year.
The Brave Blossoms lost in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup to Fiji last month.
The All Blacks have never been beaten by Japan, with Ian Hanson’s side beating Jamie Joseph’s 38-31 the last time they played in November 2022.
“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,” Robertson said.
“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.
“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.”
All Blacks (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Samipeni Finau, Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi, Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie, Mark Tele’a, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Sevu Reece, Stephen Perofeta
Reserves: George Bell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Peter Lakai*, TJ Perenara, David Havili, Ruben Love*
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