Reece named to start for the All Blacks, Tuipulotu to Captain ABs for the first time

Fiji-born All Blacks winger Sevu Reece has been named to start on the left wing when the All Blacks take on Japan this weekend while Blues veteran Patrick Tuipulotu has been named to captain the All Blacks for the first time in his international career.

Coach Scott Robertson has also named two debutants – Peter Lakai and Ruben Love for this match and will potentially make their debut off the bench.

Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi will start in the front row, Sam Darry and Tuipulotu will pair up at locks, Samipeni Finau and Vice Captain Sam Cane will be on the flanks and Wallace Sititi will be at number 8.

Rookie halfback Cam Roigard will make his first start at number 9 and Damien McKenzie will start at flyhalf.

Mark Tele’a will partner Reece on the wings, Anton Lienert-Brown and Billy Proctor will be in the centre and Stephen Perofeta will start at fullback.

In the reserves, George Bell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord and Lakai will cover for the forwards while TJ Perenara, David Havili and Love will cover the backline.

The All Blacks will take on Japan at 5.50pm this Saturday at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.