Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the All Blacks for their Test against Japan on Saturday, with Peter Lakai and Ruben Love in line to make their debuts off the reserves bench in Tokyo.
It is a predictably much-changed line-up, but former skipper Sam Cane retains his place at openside flanker.
Halfback Cam Roigard will return to the starting team, with Damian McKenzie back at No.10 after being benched in his last Test against the Wallabies in Wellington.
Samipeni Finau returns to the loose forward trio after being discarded following the England series in July, with Wallace Sititi starting in his preferred position of No.8.
It is a predictably much-changed line-up, but former skipper Sam Cane retains his place at openside flanker. (Source: 1News)
Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi start in what is a very big front row, with Sam Darry partnering Tuipulotu in the second row. It is the first time that Tuipulotu, the Blues skipper, has captained the All Blacks.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson told Japanese media this afternoon: "We’ve got a big forward pack. They’re mobile with good skills. To play some good rugby and dominate the set piece [is the plan]."
Anton Lienert-Brown and Billy Proctor make up the midfield, with Mark Tele’a returning to the left wing. Sevu Reece retains his spot on the right wing, with Stephen Perofeta returning from injury to start at fullback.
Robertson was always going to name an experimental line-up ahead of a tough four-Test away run against England, Ireland, France and Italy and said his side were looking forward to getting the tour under way in Yokohama.
Several of Robertson's top players will fly to London on Friday to prepare for the Test against England at Twickenham on Sunday, November 3 NZT.
The question of who will travel early did not come up in the press conference, and an All Blacks spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a query from 1News, but among those leaving Japan early are likely to be Beauden Barrett, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke - all of whom are almost certain to start against England.
“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.
“We are all 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 both worked hard to make their return from injury."
Robertson added: “Peter has slipped straight in. We had him for a week earlier in the year. He’s a hell of a humble young kid, an incredible athlete as we know. Ruben has been training with us for the majority of the year so it’s a really great opportunity for him to represent the country."
Hurricanes and Wellington flanker Lakai, 21, was only called into the squad at short notice after injuries to Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson and Dalton Papali'i.
“Congratulations also to Patrick for being named as All Blacks Captain. Pat has great mana, leadership and experience; it’s a proud moment for him and his whānau."
Robertson said Tuipulotu said yes straight away after being asked to be skipper and then reaffirmed his acceptance after talking to his family.
In a press conference this afternoon, Love said: “It’s awesome for my family and myself. I guess it’s 23 years of working hard to get to this moment.
“I just want to do my best to represent my family and friends and New Zealand as well."
Robertson added: “The welcome and hospitality we have received in Japan has been very humbling, so we look forward to repaying this support with a performance to be proud of on Saturday."
Lock Josh Lord, another injury replacement, has been named on the bench.
The All Blacks have played seven Tests against Japan since 1987 and have never lost to them.
All Blacks team to play Japan in Nissan Stadium, Yokohama, on Saturday, kick-off 6.50pm, is:
1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Sam Darry, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Mark Tele'a, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Stephen Perofeta.
Reserves: 16. George Bell, 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Peter Lakai*, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. David Havili, 23. Ruben Love*.
* Potential debutant
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