All Blacks team vs Japan:
Tamaiti Williams
Asafo Aumua
Pasilio Tosi
Scott Barrett (c)
Patrick Tuipulotu
Samipeni Finau
Sam Cane
Wallace Sititi
Cam Roigard
Damian McKenzie
Mark Tele'a
Anton Lienert-Brown
Billy Proctor
Sevu Reece
Stephen Perofeta
George Bell
Ethan de Groot
Fletcher Newell
Sam Darry
Peter Lakai
Cortez Ratima
David Havili
Ruben Love
Scott Barret presumably plays all big tests.
Not sure why he starts against Japan.
(You were wrong on that one)
Great to see Roigard starting and Sititi at 8.
Hope Lakai gets some good minutes.
@darylmitchell said in All Blacks v Japan:
All Blacks team vs Japan:
Tamaiti Williams
Asafo Aumua
Pasilio Tosi
Scott Barrett (c)
Patrick Tuipulotu
Samipeni Finau
Sam Cane
Wallace Sititi
Cam Roigard
Damian McKenzie
Mark Tele'a
Anton Lienert-Brown
Billy Proctor
Sevu Reece
Stephen Perofeta
George Bell
Ethan de Groot
Fletcher Newell
Sam Darry
Peter Lakai
Cortez Ratima
David Havili
Ruben Love
Is this a confirmation or an assumption of what you think the team will be?
This would seem bizarrely strong in the forwards... makes the selection of Lord a little puzzling, because if he wasn't to play this game, then when else would he play? Also thought they would have wanted to give Ofa a run.
Pretty happy with that. Have to remember they haven't played a game in quite a while, and this is the only warm-up. Complete rest for Vaai, Lomax, Taylor, Savea who have had the heaviest workload I'd think. Good opportunity for the other front rowers to start. Hopefully Ethan is just doing lots of running. Expect Lord on for Barrett early.
If we had a rapid traditional style 7 there, you'd just about be looking at a balanced trio, but Cane is a long way from that now - still, good to see Samipeni get another run and Sititi at 8. Be nice to see them operate with Lakai on for Cane early - although Sititi coming off would be better for managing minutes.
Chuckling that this coaching staff can't find it in themselves to give a player a debut start vs Japan.
Fairly predictable.
The advance party leaves on Friday so maybe we get to know who they are at the press conference.
@Frank said in All Blacks v Japan:
Suggests they (currently) see Ratima as their number one halfback.
I think they will be happy for him to start while giving Cam plenty of time to build his fitness
@darylmitchell said in All Blacks v Japan:
All Blacks team vs Japan:
Tamaiti Williams
Asafo Aumua
Pasilio Tosi
Scott Barrett (c)
Patrick Tuipulotu
Samipeni Finau
Sam Cane
Wallace Sititi
Cam Roigard
Damian McKenzie
Mark Tele'a
Anton Lienert-Brown
Billy Proctor
Sevu Reece
Stephen Perofeta
George Bell
Ethan de Groot
Fletcher Newell
Sam Darry
Peter Lakai
Cortez Ratima
David Havili
Ruben Love
Yeah nah. Cf actual team named.
@canefan said in All Blacks v Japan:
@Frank said in All Blacks v Japan:
Suggests they (currently) see Ratima as their number one halfback.
I think they will be happy for him to start while giving Cam plenty of time to build his fitness
I don't think fitness is the issue, it's more getting his confidence back by playing minutes. I think there's nothing wrong with Ratima starting on this tour with Cam coming off the bench but I feel that role will be reversed once Roigard is back up to speed again.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks v Japan:
Dunn how they can call the bench "Impact" when Havili is involved
@Machpants said in All Blacks v Japan:
Impact: Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Fletcher Newell and George Bell
Some stupid penalties, 1m of carries, and increased belief in the red and black bias
hopefully Bell's improved and the barn door is now in danger
It isn’t much, but it’s honest work.
See you again next week for another early announcement.
