All Blacks won't take Japan lightly
Steve Hansen says team must get basics right before trying 'razzle-dazzle'
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says his team won’t be taking anything for granted when they plays their first official test in Japan on Saturday against a Japanese team eager to improve as they prepare to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Crusaders lock Dominic Bird and Blues winger Frank Halai will make their All Blacks debut at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, while newcomers Hurricanes prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Crusaders flanker Luke Whitelock were named on the bench.
The last time the two teams met was at the Rugby World Cup in 2011, where New Zealand trounced Japan 83-7.
“We are expecting the Japanese to be very competitive,” Hansen said. “It will be important that we respect them and engage them in the physical aspects of the game before attempting to play too much ‘razzle dazzle’-type rugby.”
The All Blacks, who have won 10 games in a row, sent 10 players, including uncapped scrumhalf TJ Perenara, to Paris to prepare for the European leg of their four-test tour, and captain Richie McCaw and flyhalf Dan Carter were originally planned to be in that advance party.
But recent injuries to the star pair mean they have a need for playing time and warranted a run in Saturday’s match. McCaw will play at No. 8. Carter returns from his shoulder injury to take his regular spot at flyhalf.
