ALL BLACKS XV TO PLAY JAPAN XV, TOKYO
In a much-anticipated rugby extravaganza, the stage is set for an exhilarating clash between the All Blacks XV and Japan XV in the vibrant city of Tokyo. The Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium will come alive as these two powerhouse teams prepare to battle it out on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, at 8 PM.
Co-captain Brad Weber, a seasoned warrior donning the All Blacks jersey, leads a formidable second-tier side that boasts six-capped players. With the likes of Akira Ioane, Stephen Perofeta, Jack Goodhue, Folau Fakatava, and Brett Cameron joining him on the field, the All Blacks XV brings a perfect blend of experience and rising talent. This match marks the first of two encounters carefully planned by their astute coach, Leon MacDonald.
MacDonald, known for his tactical brilliance, has left no stone unturned in molding a team that radiates power and skill. Last year, he showcased his coaching prowess when he steered the All Blacks XV to victory against Ireland A, while their encounter with the star-studded Barbarians, led by the renowned Scott Robertson, ended in a valiant battle. Come November 1st, MacDonald will join forces with Robertson as an assistant coach for the All Blacks, a testament to his coaching acumen.
As the players take their positions, the All Blacks XV unveils a back three that epitomizes explosive speed and agility. Ruben Love, Bailyn Sullivan, and Etene Nanai-Seturo form a trio that promises to dazzle spectators with their mesmerizing footwork and unparalleled ability to turn defense into attack. In the midfield, the combination of Jack Goodhue and Alex Nankivell stands as a towering force, ready to dominate their opponents and create opportunities for their teammates.
The loose forward trio of Christian Lio-Willie, Du’Plessis Kirifi, and Akira Ioane embodies the relentless spirit of the All Blacks XV. Their sheer power and tenacity in the breakdowns, combined with Ioane’s rampaging runs, will present a colossal challenge for the Japan XV. The All Blacks XV’s resilience, skill, and unwavering determination will be on full display as they aim to leave an indelible mark on the match.
However, the Japan XV, co-captained by the seasoned veteran Michael Leitch and scrumhalf Yutaka Nagare, will not back down without a fight. Coach Jamie Joseph has handpicked a squad that strikes a delicate balance between youth and experience. With five uncapped players and six with fewer than 10 caps, Joseph aims to harness their hunger and ambition in this showdown against the formidable All Blacks XV.
Joseph acknowledges the magnitude of the task ahead and emphasizes the importance of mentality and physicality in this encounter. After an extended hiatus since November last year, the Japan XV sees this match as a starting point, an opportunity to regain their rhythm as a team. Motivated by the presence ofnine All Blacks in the opposition side, the Brave Blossoms are determined to rise to the challenge, displaying a mental fortitude and unwavering physicality throughout the match.
Following this intense encounter, the Brave Blossoms will have a chance to measure their strength against a full-strength All Blacks XV on July 15th at Egao Kenko Stadium in Kumamoto. This match serves as the perfect platform for them to fine-tune their strategies and gear up for the highly anticipated Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series. In this series, they will go head-to-head against formidable opponents like Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, in a quest for rugby supremacy in the Pacific region.
Get ready for a rugby extravaganza like no other as the All Blacks XV and Japan XV collide in Tokyo. The clash promises to be a showcase of skill, determination, and raw power. Don’t miss out on this thrilling encounter that sets the stage for an action-packed rugby season ahead.
All Blacks XV: Ruben Love, Bailyn Sullivan, Alex Nankivell, Jack Goodhue, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Stephen Perofeta, Brad Weber (co-capt), Christian Lio-Willie, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Akira Ioane, Quinten Strange, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jermaine Ainsley, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia.
Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Cameron Suafoa, Billy Harmon (co-capt), Folau Fakatava, Brett Cameron, Sam Gilbert.
Japan XV : Craig MILLAR Kosuke HORIKOSHI Shinnosuke KAKINAGA James MOORE Amato FAKATAVA Michael LEITCH Shota FUKUI Faulua MAKISI Naoto SAITO Rikiya MATSUDA Semisi MASIREWA Shogo NAKANO Dylan RILEY Jone NAIKABULA Kotaro MATSUSHIMA Shota HORIE Sione HALASILI Jiwon GU Jack CORNELSEN Kazuki HIMENO Yutaka NAGARE Jumpei OGURA Tomoki OSADA
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