Eight All Blacks debutants named for Japan test in Tokyo

The All Blacks have named eight debutants for their upcoming Test against Japan in Tokyo.

Auckland's flanker Dalton Papali'i has been named to start in the No.7 jersey with Wellington's midfielder Matt Proctor named to start at centre.

New players named on the bench are prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forwards Gareth Evans and Dillon Hunt, halfback Mitch Drummond, first five‑eighth Brett Cameron and outside back George Bridge.

Luke Whitelock will start at number 8 and has been named to captain the side.

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi gets the nod to start for the first time at halfback for the New Zealand side.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen congratulated the new players on getting their shot to wear the black jersey.

Ngani Laumape returns to take his place at second‑five with his Hurricanes teammate Nehe Milner‑Skudder named on the right wing.

Jordie Barrett replaces Damian McKenzie as starting fullback.

The All Blacks will take on Japan at 5.45pm on Saturday.

ALL BLACKS SQUAD: 1 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 5 Jackson Hemopo, 6 Vaea Fifita, 7 Dalton Papalii*, 8 Luke Whitelock (captain), 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 11 Waisake Naholo, 12 Ngani Laumape, 13 Matt Proctor*, 14 Nehe Milner‑Skudder, 15 Jordie Barrett.

RESERVES: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Tyrel Lomax*, 19 Dillon Hunt*, 20 Gareth Evans*, 21 Mitch Drummond*, 22 Brett Cameron*, 23 George Bridge.*

[Source: TVNZ]

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