TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Patrick Tuipulotu was named All Blacks captain for the first time on Tuesday as the team prepares to face Japan in Yokohama.
In another development, Damian McKenzie replaced Beauden Barrett at flyhalf.
New Zealand take on Eddie Jones’s Japan on Saturday before heading to Europe for Tests on successive weekends against England, Ireland, France and Italy.
Lock forward Tuipulotu takes the captaincy in his 47th appearance, with regular skipper Scott Barrett not included in the matchday squad.
McKenzie returns at flyhalf after making way for Beauden Barrett in New Zealand’s previous outing, a 33-13 win over Australia in Wellington last month.
Former captain Sam Cane starts at loose forward for his 101st cap, while centre Anton Lienert-Brown is winning his 80th.
Uncapped Peter Lakai and Ruben Love both start on the bench.
Scrumhalf Cam Roigard makes his first All Black appearance of the year.
Pasilio Tosi, who has three previous appearances from the bench, makes his first start at prop.
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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.”
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: Yokohama Kokusai (International Stadium 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)
