New Zealand vs Japan Rugby at International Stadium Yokohama Saturday 26th October 2024. The All Blacks have been selected to face Japan in the 2024 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama by head coach Scott Robertson and his co-selectors, assistant coaches Scott Hansen, Jason Holland, Jason Ryan, and Tamati Ellison.
This Saturday’s match against Japan in Yokohama will mark Patrick Tuipulotu’s debut as captain of the All Blacks. With 179 Tests between them, Sam Cane and Anton Lienert-Brown’s vast experience will help him in his role as vice captain.
With Pasilio Tosi making his first start at prop and loose forward Peter Lakai and outside back Ruben Love designated as impact players, two players will have the chance to make their All Blacks Test debuts.
In 2024, halfback Cameron Roigard makes his All Blacks comeback, and Stephen Perofeta also makes his injury comeback to start as fullback. This will be Billy Proctor’s second cap at centre. Damian McKenzie will finish the back line at first five-eighth, with Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece on the wings.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
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)
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*
In just his second All Blacks Test, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, and Ofa Tu’ungafasi will cover the front row. TJ Perenara and David Havili will join Love as back line covers, while Josh Lord will cover lock. Scott Robertson, head coach of the All Blacks, stated that the team was eager to start the Northern Tour.
“The group’s enthusiasm as we begin this tour is thrilling to witness, and we have had an amazing few days in Tokyo thus far. Since we are aware that Japan will play a quick-paced, offensive game against the Brave Blossoms on Saturday, we will bring that intensity to the match.
We’re all excited for Stephen and Cam, who have both put in a lot of effort to recover from injuries, as well as for Ruben and Peter, who will have their first opportunity to leave their imprint on the black jersey.
Patrick deserves special congratulations for being selected captain of the All Blacks. It is a proud occasion for Pat and his whānau, who possess wonderful mana, leadership, and expertise. News for The Daily Rugby
“We look forward to repaying this support with a performance to be proud of on Saturday,” Robertson remarked, referring to the kind welcome and hospitality we have experienced in Japan.
This will be the first time the two teams have met at Yokohama Stadium as they compete for the Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup.