As the All Blacks embark on their arduous end-of-year northern tour, a land of opportunity awaits them in the Land of the Rising Sun. While wins against rugby heavyweights England, Ireland, and France are the ultimate goal, the opening clash with Japan provides a golden chance for New Zealand’s emerging talent to stake their claim on the international stage.
Injuries Open Door for Fringe Players
The All Blacks’ loose forward stocks have been hit hard, with Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, and Ethan Blackadder all sidelined by injury. While their absence is a blow, it presents an opening for uncapped sensation Peter Lakai to make his mark. The 21-year-old Hurricane has been in scintillating form and will look to transfer his dynamic ball-carrying ability to the test arena.
In the backs, halfback Cam Roigard makes his return to the All Blacks lineup for the first time since last year’s World Cup. After overcoming a torn patella, Roigard has a chance to re-establish himself and challenge Cortez Ratima for the backup role behind first-choice Aaron Smith.
Robertson Juggles Multiple Priorities
In his first year at the helm, head coach Scott Robertson faces the tricky task of balancing development with the pursuit of victories. The Japan test offers a prime opportunity to blood new players, but Robertson will be acutely aware of the need to generate momentum heading into the showdowns with the northern hemisphere’s elite.
“While the All Blacks are expected to win, and win well, against Eddie Jones’ Japan who have slipped to 14th in the world rankings, Robertson is clearly juggling multiple ideals.”
– According to a close source
Japan head coach Eddie Jones, meanwhile, is under pressure after a disappointing run of results. The Brave Blossoms have slipped to 14th in the world rankings, and a chastening 41-17 defeat to Fiji in their last outing has cast doubt over Jones’ ability to recapture the magic of the 2019 World Cup.
Proctor, Reece Eye Breakthroughs
Among the other fringe All Blacks with a point to prove are midfielder Billy Proctor and wing Sevu Reece. Proctor impressed in his debut against Fiji in July but was mysteriously absent throughout the Rugby Championship. A classy distributor, he offers a different skill-set to first-choice center pairing Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane.
Reece, meanwhile, has blown hot and cold this season, but a starting role against Japan gives him the inside running to nail down the right wing spot. With Caleb Clarke in red-hot try-scoring form on the left edge, Reece will be desperate to prove his worth as the All Blacks head into the defining stretch of their season.
Opportunity Knocks for All Blacks Hopefuls
While the All Blacks should have too much firepower for the struggling Brave Blossoms, Robertson will demand a clinical and ruthless performance from his troops. For the emerging stars in the lineup, it’s a chance to prove they belong at rugby’s top table.
As the old adage goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. For the likes of Lakai, Roigard, Proctor, and Reece, the road to Japan could be paved with gold if they can stake their claim and force their way into Robertson’s long-term plans.
With injuries biting and the acid tests to come against England, Ireland, and France, there’s never been a better time for the All Blacks’ rising stars to stand up and be counted. Expect them to do just that in a land where opportunity knocks for those brave enough to answer.
