WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has taken the opportunity to introduce new players in Saturday's rugby test against Japan in Yokohama, naming a new captain and two new caps.

Robertson stuck within fairly narrow parameters in his selection of teams to play England in July and for this season's Rugby Championship, becoming experimental only in New Zealand's test against Fiji in San Diego in October.

Saturday's test which comes ahead of the All Blacks' four tests in the United Kingdom, France and Italy in November has allowed Robertson to explore the depth of his 36-man squad.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the All Blacks for the first time in his 46th test, despite the presence in the starting lineup of former captain Sam Cane. Cane who will be playing his 101st test and center Anton Lienert-Brown have been named as vice-captains.

Backrower Peter Lakai and his Hurricanes teammate, fullback Reuben Love have been named to make their test debuts from the bench.

Robertson has promoted several players who have been regular reserves this season such as hooker Asafo Aumua, prop Pasilio Tosi who will start a test for the first time, flanker Samipeni Finau and winger Mark Telea into the starting XV. Fullback Stephen Perofeta, who returns from injury, and center Billy Proctor, in his second test, also have been given chances to impress.

Scrumhalf Cam Roigard returns to the starting lineup after recovering from a knee injury suffered in Super Rugby in March. Robertson has retained Damian McKenzie at flyhalf, where he starts for the eighth time in nine tests this season.

“We have had a fantastic few days in Tokyo so far and the energy in the group as we kick off this tour is exciting to see," Robertson said. "We will bring that energy when we face the Brave Blossoms on Saturday as we know that Japan will play a fast, attacking game.

___

New Zealand: Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Telea, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), Sam Darry, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Tamaiti Williamson. Reserves: George Bell, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Peter Lakai, T.J. Perenara, David Havili, Reuben Love.

___

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby