Japan and New Zealand meet in Tokyo

The All Blacks and Japan face each other in a Test match Autumn Nations Series International Saturday in Tokyo.

Despite going into the recent Rugby Championship as favourites, they have not been at their best over the past 12 months, have lost four internationals in 2022 and preparations for this season’s Autumn Nations Cup – and this Test in particular – have been withdrawn several times ahead of the All Blacks’ departure from New Zealand.

This created other opportunities for other players in the team, so Ian Foster will be given a chance as a starter Former rugby league star Roger Tuasa-Sheikh and his Blues team-mate Stephen Perofetta are both keen to shine as they make their international debuts.

Apart from these two debutants, New Zealand will feature familiar faces like powerful winger Gallup Clarke and Sev Rees, Richie Mounga, who are set to entertain the fans watching this match, while the forwards pack features Sam Kane, Brady Ridalic and Dane Coles among others.

Japan come into this first meeting as a great candidate to be beaten by the Kiwi XV, but it is clear that nobody should be underestimated as they are one of the most improved teams on the international stage in recent years.

Former All Black player Jamie Joseph has coached the Brave Blossoms since 2016 and under his guidance they have been renowned for fighting from start to finish at the international level. Since his reign as manager began, they have given a good account of themselves against generally favored nations.

After reaching the quarter finals Rugby World Cup In 2019, Japan continued their upward trajectory and are a regular in the World Rugby top 10.

Despite losing the series 2-0 to France in July, Japan competed in both games and recently lost the three-Test series as a Japan XV against Australia ‘A’ (2-1).

They ended the series on a high with a memorable win that boosted their confidence ahead of this clash with New Zealand.

Previous results
2018: New Zealand won 69-31 in Tokyo
2013: New Zealand won 54-6 in Tokyo
2011: New Zealand won 83-7 in Hamilton
1995: New Zealand win 145-17 in Bloemfontein

creations
Japan: 15 Ryohei Yamanaka, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Siosaia Fifita, 10 Takuya Yamasawa, 9 Yutaka Nagare, 8 Tevita Tatafu, 7 Kazuki Himeno, 6 Michael Leitchen, 6 Michael Leitchen, 6 Jiwon. Ku, 2 Atsushi Sakate (c), 1 Geita Inagaki
Disabled people: 16 Takeshi Hino, 17 Craig Miller, 18 Shuhei Takeuchi, 19 Kanji Shimokawa, 20 Falua Makishi, 21 Naoto Saito, 22 Seungshin Lee, 23 Gerhard van den Heever

New Zealand: 15 Stephen Perofetta, 14 Sev Rees, 13 Brayden Ennor, 12 Roger Tuasa-Sheck, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Richie Monga, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Chodudu, 7 Sam Kane (c), 6 Shannon Duple Wai, 5 4 Brady Retallick, 3 Nebo Laulala, 2 Dane Coles, 1 George Bower
Disabled people: 16 Samisoni Toukeyaho, 17 Ofa Tuungafasi, 18 Tyrell Lomax, 19 Patrick Tuipulodu, 20 Dalton Babali, 21 Aaron Smith, 22 David Havili, 23 Anton Linert-Brown

day: Saturday, October 29
Arena: Japan National Stadium, Tokyo
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
OMT: Marius Jonger (South Africa)