The All Blacks travel to Tokyo for the first time ever in an historic match that will also be the second ever to be broadcast live over the free internet.
English stream link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLMawtwRRbQ
This is the first time the two sides have faced each other outside of World Cup competition. Twice previously the two sides have met, once in the 1995 and again two years ago, though with an average winning margin of over a hundred points it’s hard to classify them as true ‘test’ matches. In saying that Japan have improved significantly and feature only one player in the first XV from the 83-7 drubbing in Hamilton. This by no means indicates that the match will be close, but a vastly reduced score line is not out of the question.
Head coach of the Cherry Blossoms Eddie Jones has recovered from a minor stroke only a couple weeks ago and has selected virtually the same team that turned over a severely weakened Wales side in June with only two changes in the starting lineup. The first is rotational with Kensuke Hatakeyama coming in at tighthead prop in place of Hiroshi Yamashita. The second is at number eight where Koliniasi Holani is surprisingly preferred to vice-captain Takashi Kikutani. Melbourne Rebels hooker Shota Horie leads the forwards in his absence, with former captain Hitoshi Ono adding a decade’s worth of test caps to the second row.
Livewire scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka proved himself more than capable of competing in Super Rugby with the Highlanders, and his speed of service will be critical to any potential offensive opportunities his side gets. Harumichi Tatekawa continues at flyhalf which means that Craig Wing again partners the dynamic Male Sa’u in the centres. Speed is the name of the game out wide, with Kenki Fukuoka in particular providing top class pace on the left wing.
Of course all of that depends on what mood the All Black forwards are in. Richie McCaw is the only first choice starter in the pack but his charges are no slouches. Steven Luatua continues to put pressure on Liam Messam for the number six shirt, and Canterbury lighthouse Dominic Bird will become the tallest All Black in history when he runs on the pitch for his debut.
Also making his international bow is another vertically enhanced prospect, 7s star Frank Halai, who hails from Counties Manukau. Francis Saili and Charles Piutau each start for only the second time, and among the reserves are new men Luke Whitelock and Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, just called into the squad last week to replace injured Joe Moody. Stalwart hooker Andrew Hore looks to begin what is likely his final All Black tour with a half hour or so in the second half.
New Zealand are fielding an inexperienced test side but all have experienced Super Rugby and should be expected to perform up to a high standard, especially in the company of legends McCaw and Carter. The Cherry Blossoms will be fired up for this grand opportunity and it’s safe to say they will fare better than they did last time out, but a big win is still on the cards for the visitors.
The power of Halai and Piutau out wide will cause big problems, and Bird should win whichever lineout he chooses to contest. Hendrik Tui and Michael Broadhurst could prove a handful for Japan, but they’ll have to get through a mountain of work in defense first. Expect New Zealand to be methodical in their approach and ruthless later on. The All Blacks coast to a 50+ point win.
