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New Zealand number eight Luke Whitelock will captain a new-look All Blacks side when they take on Japan in Saturday’s Test in Tokyo.
Whitelock, who skippered the All Blacks against the France XV last year, will lead the side for the first time in a Test.
It will be a special day for Whitelock, who becomes the 70th All Blacks Test captain – he made his Test debut against Japan in 2013 and follows in the footsteps of brother Sam, who captained the All Blacks for the first time last year.
Two new All Blacks have been named in the world champions’ starting XV – flanker Dalton Papalii and centre Matt Proctor. Six more players are set to make their Test debuts from the bench – prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forwards Gareth Evans and Dillon Hunt, scrum-half Mitch Drummond, fly-half Brett Cameron and outside back George Bridge.
It will be the second appearance in the black jersey for Hunt and Drummond who played the non-Test against the France XV on last year’s end-of-year tour.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “Firstly, on behalf of the entire All Blacks squad, we want to congratulate those players who’ll be making their Test debuts.
“It’s an exciting and special time for those players and their families, as well as their teammates who join them in recognising their achievement.
“We also congratulate Luke on becoming the latest All Blacks Test captain. He’s a natural leader, did a fantastic job leading the team against the French XV last year, and will be ably assisted by the senior players in the team.
“The team’s really excited at what lies ahead. While this is a relatively inexperienced group, the expectation is that when you pull on the black jersey, then a top performance is required. It’s important that the players embrace the expectation and enjoy it.
“They’ve prepared well this week and will bring an unbridled enthusiasm that comes with that excitement. We know they’ll go out on Saturday and proudly represent the jersey, themselves, their families and their country.”
New Zealand: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Luke Whitelock (c), 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Jackson Hemopo, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ofa Tuungafasi
Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Dillon Hunt, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Mitch Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 George Bridge
Date: Saturday, November 3
Venue: Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 14:45 local (05:45 GMT)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)