NZ XV v Japan

[Lizard]

No discredit to these guys, but there's no way this should be capped as a test by NZ.

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 ©
7. Dalton Papalii
6. Vaea Fifita
5. Jackson Hemopo
4. Patrick Tuipulotu
3. Angus Ta'avao
2. Dane Coles
1. Ofa Tuungafasi

Liam Coltman
Tim Perry
Tyrel Lomax
Dillon Hunt
Gareth Evans
Mitchell Drummond
Brett Cameron
George Bridge.

[Lizard]

I’m not saying Japan doesn’t deserve caps, I’m saying our 3rd XV doesn’t.

[Digby]

With no Raeburn Shield on the line I don't know if Japan will be as up for this!

Here's one for you Liz, if Ireland lose to Argentina or beat NZ is that leading to the longest period NZ have gone without holding said shield?

[Puja]

I’m not saying Japan doesn’t deserve caps, I’m saying our 3rd XV doesn’t.

Why? There isn't a single person there whom, one way or another, doesn't deserve their call-up.

Plus you're denuding the Welsh and Scots of 4-5 of their 2022 teams, which is a reward in and of itself.

Puja

[Lizard]

I’m not saying Japan doesn’t deserve caps, I’m saying our 3rd XV doesn’t.

Why? There isn't a single person there whom, one way or another, doesn't deserve their call-up.

Because a test match should involve our best players. Our best players aren’t even in the same country. Same as the uncapped tour to Argentina in 1976.

[Lizard]

I’m not saying Japan doesn’t deserve caps, I’m saying our 3rd XV doesn’t.

Why? There isn't a single person there whom, one way or another, doesn't deserve their call-up.

Plus you're denuding the Welsh and Scots of 4-5 of their 2022 teams, which is a reward in and of itself.

Puja

If this team had been picked last year, Brad Shields would have been a strong contender. I doubt Te’o or Hartley would have ever made the grade.

[Lizard]

I’m not saying those guys shouldn’t have played. I’m saying they should have played as an uncapped tour side, or an NZ “A” team.

Anyway, full credit to Japan for scoring more tries against us than most do. Also for sticking at it for the full 80.

Of the All Blacks, J Barrett probably did his career some damage. Mo’unga, Laumape and Bridge did well.