Fringe Players Take Center Stage as All Blacks Face Japan
The All Blacks are set to kick off their grueling five-match northern tour against Japan, and coach Scott Robertson is using this opportunity to give his fringe players a chance to shine. With 11 changes to the team that defeated the Wallabies in Wellington, Robertson is clearly looking to expose non-starters and rookies to the international scene.
Lucrative Business and Competitive Edge
Playing in Japan is not only a lucrative business for the All Blacks, but it also offers them a chance to tap into Japan’s commercial might. Off the field, the national bodies have signed a memorandum of understanding, paving the way for New Zealand rugby players to become a regular feature in Japan. On the field, Japan provides the perfect platform for the All Blacks to test their mettle against a team that has slipped to 14th in the world rankings.
Injuries Force Changes
Injuries to three loose forwards, including Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, and Ethan Blackadder, have forced Robertson to make some changes to his starting lineup. Former captain Sam Cane will start at openside flanker, while Wallace Sititi will switch to No. 8. Patrick Tuipulotu will lead the All Blacks for the first time from lock, and Anton Lienert-Brown will start at second five-eighth.
New Faces and Opportunities
Peter Lakai, the 21-year-old Hurricanes loose forward, is set to make his Test debut off the bench, alongside uncapped fullback Ruben Love. Lakai has everything to play for, with minimal options in the loose forwards, and a compelling cameo could propel him further into the frame for more minutes on tour. Fellow loose forward Samipeni Finau will start at blindside, presenting an opportunity to remind Robertson of his physicality and lineout ability.
Halfback Cam Roigard Returns
Cam Roigard will make his first appearance for the All Blacks since last year’s World Cup, starting at halfback. Roigard has featured in five Tests, starting two of those, and a strong performance this weekend will place immediate pressure on Cortez Ratima.
Classy Centre Billy Proctor Gets Another Chance
Billy Proctor, the form midfielder in Super Rugby this season, impressed on debut against Fiji in July but was then unsighted throughout the Rugby Championship. Proctor’s distribution offers a notable point of difference, and he will be looking to make the most of his opportunity.
Wing Roles Up for Grabs
Sevu Reece and Mark Tele’a will be contesting one wing role, with Caleb Clarke having locked down the left wing. Reece has been heavily favored by Robertson this season, but Tele’a will be looking to reignite his finishing prowess in an open, expansive spectacle against Japan.
Objectives Clear
The All Blacks’ objectives this week are clear: bank a win and cash windfall, hand fringe prospects valuable exposure to fuel internal competition, and move onto the brutal three-game stretch against England, Ireland, and France largely unscathed.
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