All Blacks XV v Japan. Where: Kenko Stadium, Kumamoto. Kickoff: Saturday, 9.05pm.
This Saturday night, brace yourself for an exhilarating clash as the mighty All Blacks XV takes on the formidable Brave Blossoms of Japan at the renowned Kenko Stadium in Kumamoto. With both teams eager to secure victory, this highly anticipated encounter promises to be a spectacle for rugby enthusiasts worldwide.
Under the guidance of coach Leon MacDonald, the All Blacks XV has made a series of strategic changes to their lineup, aiming to showcase their depth and unleash a potent attacking force against the well-prepared Brave Blossoms. With the NZ A team’s recent triumph over a Japan XV fresh in their minds, the All Blacks XV enters the match with renewed determination.
Among the notable changes, Highlander Jona Nareki steps in to replace Chiefs wing Etene Nanai-Seturo, adding his explosive speed and agility to the All Blacks XV’s arsenal. Crusaders hooker George Bell, who recently recovered from a broken ankle, makes a strong return, bolstering the team’s front line. Furthermore, Billy Harmon, who made a significant impact as a substitute last week, earns a spot in the starting lineup at No 7, joining co-captain Brad Weber to form a formidable combination against the Brave Blossoms, led by coach Jamie Joseph.
Expressing respect for their opponents, coach MacDonald acknowledges the Brave Blossoms as a top-tier team filled with experienced players. Recognizing the challenge ahead, the All Blacks XV is determined to build upon their previous performance, expecting a tough test against a full-strength national side hungry for victory.
In the backline, the All Blacks XV introduces fresh faces in the outside backs, with AJ Lam taking over the No 14 jersey from Bailyn Sullivan, bringing his electrifying pace and skill to the field. Centre Billy Proctor, No 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, and loosehead prop Aidan Ross complete the list of new faces in the starting XV, injecting energy and talent into the team.
The All Blacks XV boasts a lineup that includes seven capped All Blacks, with the dynamic Folau Fakatava ready to make an impact from the bench. While some players like Asafo Aumua, Oli Jager, and Isaia Walker-Leawere have returned to New Zealand for personal reasons, the team welcomes the arrival of George Dyer, George Bell, and Aidan Ross as replacements.
On the other side, Japan’s Brave Blossoms, under the leadership of coach Jamie Joseph, are determined to bounce back after a heavy defeat suffered by the Japan XV. With 13 changes to their lineup, the team aims to strengthen their defense and ignite a more effective attacking strategy against their esteemed opponents. Co-captains Kazuki Himeno and Atsushi Sakate will lead the team, showcasing their leadership on the field.
The Brave Blossoms boast an experienced front row, with Keita Inagaki, Jiwon Gu, and Shota Horie forming a formidable foundation. The second-row remains unchanged, with James Moore and the uncapped Amato Fakatava ready to challenge their opponents. In the back row, the impressive Shota Fukui retains his position at number seven, while Jack Cornelsen joins in at number six, replacing Michael Leitch, who moves to the bench. Co-captain Kazuki Himeno anchors the back of the scrum from the number-eight position.
In the backline, the Brave Blossoms showcase the talents of Naoto Saito at halfback, alongside the young playmaker Seungsin Lee at fly-half. The center combination sees the experienced Ryoto Nakamura joining forces with the hard-running Dylan Riley. The back-three remains unchanged, featuring the skillful Semisi Masirewa and Jone Naikabula on the wings, and the reliable Kotaro Matsushima at fullback.
With an array of talented reserves on both sides, the bench strength promises to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. As the Brave Blossoms and the All Blacks XV gear up for this monumental clash, rugby enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the intensity and skill displayed by these exceptional athletes.
Following Saturday’s match, the Brave Blossoms will continue their campaign in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series, with upcoming test matches against Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji. The excitement and rivalry in the rugby world are set to reach new heights as these teams compete for glory on the international stage.
Get ready for a battle of titans as the All Blacks XV and the Brave Blossoms collide in Kumamoto. Mark your calendars and join us in witnessing an unforgettable rugby spectacle that showcases the spirit, strength, and sheer brilliance of the game.
Japan: 15 Kotaro Matsushima, 14 Jone Naikabula, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Semisi Masirewa, 10 Seungsin Lee, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Kazuki Himeno, 7 Shota Fukui, 6 Jack Cornelsen, 5 Amato Fakatava, 4 James Moore, 3 Jiwon Gu, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Keita Inagaki,
Replacements: 16 Atsushi Sakate, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Asaeli Valu, 19 Uwe Helu, 20 Michael Leitch, 21 Yutaka Nagare, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Tomoki Osada.
All Blacks XV: Ruben Love, AJ Lam, Billy Proctor, Jack Goodhue, Jona Nareki, Stephen Perofeta, Brad Weber (co-capt), Pita Gus Sowakula, Billy Harmon (co-capt), Akira Ioane, Quinten Strange, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jermaine Ainsley, George Bell, Aidan Ross.
Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Cameron Suafoa, Christian Lio-Willie, Folau Fakatava, Alex Nankivell, Sam Gilbert.
Following Saturday’s match, the Brave Blossoms will play three test matches in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series, taking on Samoa on Saturday, July 22 at Sapporo Dome and Tonga on Saturday, July 29 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka. They then return to Tokyo to play Fiji at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on Saturday August 5th
Referee: Tual Trainini (France)
Assistant Referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland), Katsuki Furuse (Japan)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (England).
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