All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson has announced his team to face Japan in the 2024 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup at Nissan Stadium, Yokohama.
Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the All Blacks for the first time, supported by Vice-Captains Sam Cane and Anton Lienert-Brown, who together bring 179 Tests worth of experience.
Injury setbacks have ruled out Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, and Dalton Papali’i, but two players—Peter Lakai and Ruben Love—are set to make their Test debuts from the bench. Pasilio Tosi will make his first start at prop, while Cameron Roigard returns to the squad after injury, joined by Stephen Perofeta at fullback.
Robertson expressed excitement about the upcoming match: “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 are 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 worked hard to return from injury. Congratulations also to Patrick for being named Captain. It’s a proud moment for him and his whānau.”
The All Blacks will face a fast, attacking Brave Blossoms side on Saturday as they aim to claim victory in their first meeting at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium.
私たちのチーム ⏳
Here’s our team ✊🏼
Congratulations to Patrick Tuipulotu who will captain the All Blacks for the first time and Peter Lakai & Ruben Love who are in line to debut 👏#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/uUhCuXeH8l
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 22, 2024
