Japan v New Zealand - teams and prediction

PREVIEW: Loose forward Kazuki Himeno makes his return to Japan’s starting line-up for the first time since the 2023 World Cup ahead of Japan’s clash with New Zealand in Yokohama.

The loose forward who captained the Brave Blossoms at the global showpiece makes his return from injury to face the All Blacks on Saturday.

Himeno represented the Highlanders in 2021 where he was named rookie of the year.

Flyhalf Harumichi Tatekawa will wear the captain’s armband for Japan, who came up short in the Pacific Nations Cup Final to Fiji last month.

There are two potential debuts off the bench for loosehead prop Opeti Helu and outside back Takuri Matsunga.

New Zealand snuck past Japan in their last meeting between the two sides by 38-31 two years ago in Tokyo.

Japan will travel to Europe after the match to face France, Uruguay and England.

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The All Blacks also named a new captain in Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu with Damian McKenzie getting another shot at No.10 replacing Beauden Barrett who was the general in their last Test against Australia in Wellington last month.

New Zealand will face England, Ireland, France and Italy following their opening Test against the Brave Blossoms.

Fellow lock and regular captain Scott Barrett will sit the Japan Test out with the inclusion of Tuiuplotu who will make his 47th appearance for New Zealand.

Former captain Sam Cane will earn his 101st cap while centre Anton Lienert-Brown will run out in his 80 appearance.

There’s also two potential debuts off the bench for the Hurricanes duo of loose forward Peter Lakai and utility back Ruben Love.

Scrumhalf Cam Roigard makes his return from injury for his first appearance in the black jersey this year – while prop Pasililo Tosi makes his first start after three appearances off the bench.

“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,” said All Black coach Scott Robertson.

“We will bring that energy when we face the Brave Blossoms on Saturday, as we know that Japan will play a fast, attacking game.”

Players to watch:

For Japan: Dylan Riley has been a standout player for Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup and will come up against Test rookie Billy Proctor at outside centre. The hard running No.13 has the ability to create space for his outside backs and is strong in the tackle fight to get Japan over the advantage line. The returning Kazuki Himeno who has played 11 times for the Highlanders in Super Rugby back in 2021 will be familiar with the New Zealand style of play and his experience around their breakdown tactics could prove vital as he is a strong ball carrier and hard running loose forward.

For New Zealand: Centre Billy Proctor earns his first start for the All Blacks after an impressive campaign with the Hurricanes during the 2024 Super Rugby season. The Illusive centre who can also slot in at fullback makes him a dangerous threat in combination with Anton Lienert-Brown in the midfield. In the forwards – Wallace Sititi has been a standout player for the All Blacks in his debut season with eye-catching performances during the Rugby Championship. The loose forward has made 48 carries during that tournament and showed that he could be the next big thing for the All Blacks in the years to come.

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Prediction

@Rugby365com: New Zealand by 35 points.

Japan: 15 Yoshitaka Yazaki, 14 Jone Naikabula, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Nicholas McCurran, 11 Malo Tuitama, 10 Harumichi Tatekawa (captain), 9 Shinobu Fujiwara, 8 Faulua Makisi, 7 Kazuki Himeno, 6 Amato Fakatava, 5 Warner Deans, 4 Sanaila Waqa, 3 Shuhei Takeuchi, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Takato Okabe.
Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Takayoshi Mohara, 18 Opeti Helu, 19 Epineri Uluiviti, 20 Kanji Shimokawa, 21 Taiki Koyama, 22 Tomoki Osada, 23 Takuro Matsunaga.

New Zealand: 15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Mark Tele’a, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 4 Sam Darry, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Thomas Perenara, 22 David Havili, 23 Ruben Love.

Date: Saturday, October 26
Venue: International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama
Kick-off: 14.50 (18.50 NZ time; 05.50 GMT)
Referee: Jordan Way (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia) & Reuben Keane (Australia)
TMO: Damon Murphy (Australia)