Scott Robertson has named a strong side to face Japan in Yokohama, as the All Blacks begin their northern tour against the Brave Blossoms.

While a weakened side was expected, and an advance group sent to Europe to prepare to face England at Twickenham at the start of November, Robertson has still been able to call on some of his first-team regulars.

Patrick Tuipulotu will captain Aotearoa for the first time, while Damian McKenzie is back at No 10 after being relegated to the bench for the Rugby Championship-ender against Australia in Wellington.

Sam Cane and Wallace Sititi retain their starting spots, albeit with the latter shifting from No 6 to the back of the scrum, as Samipeni Finau completes the loose forward trio.

Pasilio Tosi will make his first test start, as part of a new-look front row alongside Tamaiti Williams and Asafo Aumua. Sam Darry is also back among the run-on squad, partnering his club and now country captain.

In the backs, Cam Roigard will make his first test start of 2024, after suffering a ruptured patella tendon in Super Rugby Pacific for the Hurricanes. Likewise, Stephen Perofeta is back in the No 15 jersey, after battling calf issues during the Rugby Championship.

In midfield, Billy Proctor makes his second test start since his debut against Fiji in San Diego earlier this year, and partners Anton Lienert-Brown. On the wings, Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece both have the chance to prove themselves as starters, after Caleb Clarke has established himself as a guaranteed selection in the No 11 jersey.

On the bench, the Wellington pair of Peter Lakai and Ruben Love will both make their debuts, named for their maiden test caps if and when called on.

‘Taking my game to the next level’: All Blacks rookie eyes possible debut against Japan

Uncapped Peter Lakai is en route to earning his way into the All Blacks starting side for Saturday’s test against Japan in Yokohama. And he’s got the best possible roommate to lean on should that happen.

The All Blacks squad is named at 4pm today with a different look expected to the starting lineout that was relatively settled over the last three rounds of the Rugby Championship, especially in the loose forwards.

Lakai was called in as cover, following injuries to Dalton Papali’i, Ethan Blackadder and Luke Jacobson.

The 21-year-old was getting ready to head to Wellington Lions training last Monday ahead of their semifinal with Waikato when Scott Robertson called him for his first All Blacks tour.

Instead of preparing for a home NPC final, he’s getting ready for a possible test call-up. He’s been leaning on the advice of Sam Cane this week, who has 100 test caps on him. That comes following two years of tutelage alongside Ardie Savea at the Hurricanes.

“I hover around guys in my position such as Ardie and Sam Cane. Sam Cane is my roomy so I get around him. Anything I’m unsure of he helps me out,” Lakai said.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity. Learning off a few older guys such as Sam, taking in some of his experience and taking my game to the next level.

“Ardie has been massive. He’s a great leader, especially for his actions. Anything he does, it’s quite easy to follow a guy like him. He’s quite influential.”

The last time the All Blacks played Japan, in 2022, coach Ian Foster made 12 changes to the starting side as they squeaked out a 38-31 victory.

A number of regular All Blacks starters will leave Japan on Friday before the test as they begin preparations for the following weekend’s test against England.

David Havili, who came off the bench in the 2022 win over Japan, said there will still be plenty of experience in the squad for Saturday’s game.

“There’s still going to be a lot of experience in the group and it’s about the young boys slotting in where they can and really nailing their role if they get the opportunity. We want to start the tour with a great win, and we’re going to need to have a great week in preparation to make sure we get that right first to allow us to do that.

“Japanese flair is what we’ve got to look out for this weekend. We know they like to play with the ball a lot, so we’re going to have take control there.”

All Blacks Northern Tour schedule

October 26, 6.50pm – All Blacks v Japan, Yokohama

November 3, 4.10am – All Blacks v England, Twickenham

November 9, 9.10am – All Blacks v Ireland, Dublin

November 17, 9.10am – All Blacks v France, Paris

November 24, 9.10am – All Blacks v Italy, Turin

Alex Powell is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both Newshub and 1News.