Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 – Japan XV vs New Zealand XV Preview

The Japanese Men’s development team, Japan XV play the All Blacks XV in a non-capped match on 8th July 2023 at Chichibunomiya Stadium in Tokyo which the JRFU says has been sold out, This is the first of a set of Japanese men’s fixtures that form part of the LipovitanD Challenge Cup 2023.

Feature Photo –  JRFU

Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 – Japan XV vs NZ XV

In 2022, Japan XV played Australia A in a three-match series in Japan in some high-scoring matches. The Japanese XV now take on the All Blacks XV (the next senior national representative team after the All Blacks)

New Zealand Rugby general manager of professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said when the match was confirmed earlier this year: “We’re looking forward to the team heading to Japan and competing in what will be two competitive and high-quality matches. It will expose our group to a different playing style, and different life experiences, which can only benefit their development.”

Japan Head Coach Jamie Joseph announced a Japan XV team (the first of two non-capped matches in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023) that will be co-captained by 78-cap veteran, Michael Leitch at number-six and 30-cap scrumhalf, Yutaka Nagare, who starts the match in the reserves.

The Japanese side also features five uncapped players and six players with less than 10 caps named in the matchday squad of 23, the JRFU confirmed.

Photo Credit: JRFU – Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 – Japan XV prepare for New Zealand XV

Joseph said: “We’ve selected a number of players who performed particularly well in League One and want to see if they can step up and play at this level. We’ve surrounded them with some experienced players and have some experience coming off the bench in the second half.

We haven’t played as a team since November last year so it’s a starting point for us. The area we want to make sure that we sort out is around our mentality. We’re coming up against a very strong team, with around nine All Blacks in their side. There will be a lot of motivation within the All Blacks XV to perform and play well, so our mentality, and our physicality will need to be spot on.”

Leon MacDonald is the All Blacks XV Head Coach with Assistant Coaches Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen, and they have picked a strong side too which features six capped All Blacks.

Co-captains Billy Harmon and Brad Weber will lead the side, and capped Webber is joined by All Blacks Akira Ioane, Stephen Perofeta, Jack Goodhue, Folau Fakatava and Brett Cameron who are all set to feature this weekend.

The touring squad features in total, 9 players with test experience; Aidan Ross, Asafo Aumua, Akira Ioane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Folau Fakatava, Stephen Perofeta, Brett Cameron and Jack Goodhue.

MacDonald said “With a short lead-in to kick off, it’s about balancing the team with experienced players and emerging talent….The players are all out to showcase their skills and strength as a team on the international stage. It’s going to be an incredibly proud moment for the team and their whānau, especially for those players representing New Zealand for the first time.”

The JRFU Men’s test team, the Brave Blossoms then take on the All Blacks XV the following weekend (July 15 2023) at Egao Kenko stadium in the second LipovitanD Challenge Cup 2023 match.

Japan XV vs All Blacks XV

• Date: Saturday 8 July, KO 17:00 (local time)
• Venue: Prince Chichibu Stadium, Tokyo

Japan XV Squad vs All Blacks XV – 8th July 2023

NZ XV Squad vs Japan XV – 8th July 2023

All Blacks XV: Ruben Love, Bailyn Sullivan, Alex Nankivell, Jack Goodhue, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Stephen Perofeta, Brad Weber (co-capt), Christian Lio-Willie, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Akira Ioane, Quinten Strange, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jermaine Ainsley, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia.

Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Cameron Suafoa, Billy Harmon (co-capt), Folau Fakatava, Brett Cameron, Sam Gilbert.

Image Credit: NZRU

Rugby Tournaments and Matches 2023

• Asia Rugby Men Division 1 2023 – Pakistan vs UAE.
• We speak with HKCR U20 Head Coach Logan Asplin.
• World Rugby U20 Championship 2023 – Complete Guide.
• Sakura Fifteen To Tour Spain in 2023.