Japan captain Michael Leitch believes Saturday’s Test against a second-string All Blacks outfit represents their best opportunity yet to beat the world champions.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named eight uncapped players in a side boasting just 178 international caps. It is the least experienced All Blacks side named since 1986, so Leitch may yet have a point.
Japan shocked the world at the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they toppled the Springboks 34-32, winning three of their pool matches at the tournament and only narrowly missing out on qualification for the knockout phase.
“When you look at the number of test matches collectively in the (New Zealand) team, it is not so much and their test match experience is not so much there,” Leitch told Stuff.
“There is an opportunity to pressure the leadership group. If we are going to take the All Blacks down, then it is going to be (on Saturday).”
Leitch, who will line up at blindside flanker, was effusive in his praise of Hurricanes coach John Plumtree, who has been assisting the Japanese side as defence coach since last October.
“Plumtree has been excellent for us. He’s the key to this team scoring tries.
“As a defence coach, him coming into the team has been fantastic for us. He’s one of the best defence coaches in the world.”
Leitch revealed their defensive structures had changed “drastically” under Plumtree. Japan have regularly leaked points against the stronger teams in world rugby, but had made major progress, Leitch said.
“The Japanese have always been a passive team and he is always telling us to get off the line and to pressure them with line speed so he has been great for us.”