Chance for All Blacks fringe players to impress against Japan
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A few All Blacks fringe players have a chance to fight for a World Cup spot when All Blacks XV take on Japan XV at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, July 8.
All Blacks XV Head Coach Leon MacDonald has named six All Blacks capped players in his playing 23 to challenge Japan XV in the first of two-match series.
The starting front row features loosehead prop Xavier Numia, tighthead prop Jermaine Ainsley and Ricky Riccitelli at hooker. Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris and Pouri Rakete-Stones will provide impact off the bench.
Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Quinten Strange make up the locking duo, with All Blacks international Akira Ioane, Christian Lio-Willie and Du’Plessis Kirifi the loose forward trio. Billy Harmon and Cameron Suafoa on the bench.
In the backs, experienced All Blacks capped players Brad Weber and Stephen Perofeta will take the field at nine and ten, alongside Jack Goodhue and Alex Nankivell in the midfield at No.12 and No.13. Folau Fakatava will provide impact off the bench.
The back three is made up of Etene Nanai-Seturo on the left wing, Bailyn Sullivan on the right wing and Ruben Love starting at fullback. With Sam Gilbert and Brett Cameron named to be injected off the bench.
All Blacks XV head coach Leon MacDonald said: “We are anticipating a huge challenge from Japan on Saturday, they are a strong team and we know they have been preparing intensely for the next two matches."
MacDonald has also named Brad Weber and Billy Harmon as co-captains of the All Blacks XV and is expecting their experience as leaders to be an asset across the team.
"With a short lead in to kick off, it’s about balancing the team with experienced players and emerging talent.
"The players are all out to showcase their skills and strength as a team on the international stage. It’s going to be an incredibly proud moment for the team and their whanau, especially for those players representing New Zealand for the first time.”
New Zealand XV: 15 Ruben Love, 14 Bailyn Sullivan, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi , 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 19 Cameron Suafoa, 20 Billy Harmon, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Sam Gilbert.
Date: Saturday, July 8
Venue Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 17.00 (20.00 New Zealand time, 08.00 GMT)
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant Referees: Tual Trainini (France) & Katsuki Furuse (Japan)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (England)