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A polarising pet project of New Zealand Rugby is back and in a Rugby World Cup year, it could turn out to be a huge asset to Ian Foster and his All Blacks coaching team.
The All Blacks XV concept, introduced last year, is back in 2023 with the feeder side to play two matches in Tokyo come July.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup, the All Blacks XV could provide a lifeline for players returning from injury who aren’t in Foster’s Rugby Championship squad or become a last-chance saloon for those pushing their claims on the All Blacks fringes.
Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Shaun Stevenson has a breakout tour with the All Blacks XV in 2022.
No coach has been named as yet – after Blues boss Leon MacDonald took the side in 2022 – but the All Blacks XV will play a Japan XV on July 8 before taking on Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown’s Japan a week later.
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It also remains unknown how many players will be selected for the tour.
New Zealand Rugby has said more details will come in due course but NZR general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said the two games would be invaluable.
Alex Davidson/Getty Images
All Blacks winger Leicester Fainga’anuku scored some valuable game time with the All Blacks XV.
“The All Blacks XV is a crucial development pathway to the All Blacks, so locking in international matches of this calibre is crucial to the growth of our next tier of talent and also provides valuable international experience for a wider base of players in a Rugby World Cup year,” Lendrum said.
“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.”
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