All Blacks Gear Up: Roigard and Debutantes Shine in Yokohama

Cam Roigard returns for the All Blacks after recovering from a knee injury. Debutants Peter Lakai and Ruben Love join the squad against Japan. Patrick Tuipulotu leads the team in Yokohama. The All Blacks prepare for an intense schedule, facing top international teams throughout November.

All Blacks scrumhalf Cam Roigard is set to make a comeback in his first test of the year, while Peter Lakai and Ruben Love prepare for their international debuts against Japan in Yokohama. Roigard, who excelled in last year's World Cup pool stage, has been recovering from a knee injury sustained in March during the Super Rugby season.

Partnering with flyhalf Damian McKenzie, the 23-year-old Roigard will lead the backline against the Brave Blossoms in a team consisting of only four players from their previous match against Australia in the Rugby Championship. Patrick Tuipulotu will step up as captain for the first time, replacing Scott Barrett, with Pasilio Tosi making his first start in his fourth test.

Stephen Perofeta returns from injury to take the fullback position in place of the Barrett brothers. Meanwhile, Ruben Love and Peter Lakai have earned their All Blacks call-ups due to strong Super Rugby seasons, despite injury setbacks. Energized by fresh talent, coach Scott Robertson expresses excitement for the upcoming tour against formidable opponents like England, Ireland, France, and Italy in November.

(With inputs from agencies.)