New Zealand rugby head coach Scott Robertson speaks to the press in Tokyo on Oct. 22, 2024. (Kyodo)
TOKYO (Kyodo) — New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson on Tuesday named a trio of veterans with Japanese club rugby experience to lead his test side against the Brave Blossoms.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who played for Japan Rugby League One’s Toyota Verblitz in 2022, will captain the All Blacks for the first time against Japan at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium on Saturday.
Tokyo Sungoliath flanker Sam Cane will be a vice-captain in his 101st test, while former Sungoliath playmaker Damian McKenzie is set to marshal the backline at flyhalf.
While his side contains a number of first-team regulars, Robertson has also picked several relative newcomers to start against Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms.
Pasilio Tosi will make his first start at prop as one of four forwards with five or fewer tests under the belt. In the backs, five-test scrumhalf Cam Roigard will make his first start of the year, while Billy Proctor earns his second cap starting at center.
Two uncapped players — flanker Peter Lakai and fullback Ruben Love — are in line to make their debuts off the bench.
Robertson, who spent time with Ricoh Black Rams, now Black Rams Tokyo, during his playing days, said the All Blacks were looking forward to the test and were ready to counter the “super-fast” style of rugby that Jones is seeking to make a hallmark of the Brave Blossoms.
“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.”
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