All Blacks head coach Ian Foster is looking to maximise the opportunities offered for growth and development in their end-of-year tour.
Due to Covid-19 disruptions, it is only the second tour to the northern hemisphere in this World Cup cycle and is very important as there is less than a year to go until the global showpiece.
Japan is the first challenge for the All Blacks on October 29, and Foster acknowledged the Brave Blossoms’ immense progress and looks forward to the challenge ahead.
Treasure the tour
“We’ve got to treasure this tour and the opportunities it presents,” Foster told the All Blacks’ official website.
“If you go back to the last World Cup, they won a couple of big games, and they played really well against France and Australia A recently, so they’re well-prepared.
“We know they’re a growing nation, and this is a Test they’re going to target.
“So, nothing changes. Everyone we play is going to be ready to play us, and they [Japan] certainly will be.”
Wales follows the Japan Test as the All Blacks travel to Cardiff on November 5 before playing Scotland a week later on November 13.
Twickenham clash
However, the most anticipated clash of the tour comes against England at Twickenham on November 20, a Test Foster is looking forward to.
“It’s on the horizon, and playing England at Twickenham is always special and the fact we haven’t played them since 2019 in a game I remember well is going to make it even more important,” he said.
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Foster said the tour’s goal was to grow team performance, which involved giving players as many opportunities as possible.
The return of Anton Lienert-Brown has given the coach more options in the centres while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck added some versatility to his game after playing two games on the wing for Auckland in the NPC.
“It’s given him a greater insight into the game. So, it’s going to help him,” the head coach added.
The All Blacks began to find their feet at the back end of the Rugby Championship but will be eager to string some wins together and build solid form going into the 2023 Rugby World Cup.