All Blacks v Japan: Line-ups, kick-off times, how to watch, everything you need to know

All Blacks points scored – 389

Points scored in Japan: 92

Largest margin – 1995 All Blacks 145-17

Smallest margin – 2022 All Blacks 38-31

The All Blacks first faced Japan at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, picking up their highest score in a 145-17 thrashing in Bloemfontein. Marc Ellis scored a record six tries and Simon Culhane kicked 20 conversions. The teams met again for another 16 years, in another World Cup pool match in Hamilton. Since then, the All Blacks have started a tour of the North three times (2013, 2018, 2022) with a stop in Tokyo to face Japan. Two years ago, Japan came as close as they’ve come to upsetting the All Blacks, losing 38-31. The Brave Blossoms were a test away from a stunning upset in the closing moments, after Brodie Retallick had been sent off for a dangerous clearance with 15 minutes to play.

All Blacks line-up against Japan

All Blacks: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tossi, 4. Sam Darry 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard 10 . Damian McKenzie, 11. Mark Tele’a, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Stephen Perofeta.

Subs: 16. George Bell, 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. David Havili, 23. Ruben Love

Japan: TBC

All Blacks v Japan form guide (last five tests)

All black: W, W, L, L, W

Japan: L, W, W, W, L

Referee All Blacks v Japan

Australian Jordan Way will referee the test between the All Blacks and Japan. It will be his first test in charge of the All Blacks, but he will not be a new face for the players who have refereed Super Rugby since 2020. He has previously refereed a test for Japan, the 34-15 win over Uruguay in 2022.

All Blacks vs Japan TAB odds

All Blacks: $1.01 Draw: $51 Japan: $13

All Blacks v Japan: How to follow the action

For live All Blacks v Japan commentary, join Elliott Smith and Gregor Paul on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio.

The Alternative Commentary Collective will have live commentary from James McOnie and Tony Lyall from 6.50pm on Sky Sport 9 and iHeartRadio.

You can watch the match on Sky Sport 1 and it will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Now.

You can also find live updates at nzherald.co.nz.