Patrick Tuipulotu has been named captain of the All Blacks for the first time as they prepare to face Japan in Yokohama on Saturday. The match marks the beginning of their end-of-year tour, which will include tests against England, Ireland, France, and Italy.

Tuipulotu steps into the leadership role with regular captain Scott Barrett absent from the matchday squad. This will be Tuipulotu's 47th test appearance for New Zealand.

Damian McKenzie returns to the starting lineup at fly-half, replacing Beauden Barrett, who featured in the All Blacks' previous 33-13 win over Australia. Former captain Sam Cane, with 101 caps, starts at loose forward, and Anton Lienert-Brown earns his 80th cap at center.

Notably, scrum-half Cam Roigard makes his first appearance of the year, while prop Pasilio Tosi, who has previously come off the bench, earns his first start. Two uncapped players, Peter Lakai and Ruben Love, are set to make their debuts from the bench.

Head coach Scott Robertson expressed excitement about the team's energy as they kick off the tour, acknowledging that Japan will provide a tough, fast-paced challenge.

New Zealand Lineup (15-1):

Fullback: Stephen Perofeta

Wings: Sevu Reece, Mark Tele'a

Centers: Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown

Fly-half: Damian McKenzie

Scrum-half: Cam Roigard

Back Row: Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau

Locks: Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), Sam Darry

Props: Pasilio Tosi, Tamaiti Williams

Hooker: Asafo Aumua

Replacements:

George Bell, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Peter Lakai, TJ Perenara, David Havili, Ruben Love.