All Blacks: Patrick Tuipulotu wants to avoid an unwanted first place against Japan : Planet Rugby

Patrick Tuipulotu is determined not to become the first All Blacks captain to suffer defeat against Japan, but admitted it is “ringing in the back of his head”.

With regular captain and second-row partner Scott Barrett not included in the match-day squad, Tuipulotu will become the 82nd player to captain the All Blacks at Test level when they take on the Brave Blossoms in Yokohama .

Tuipulotu He will make his 47th Test appearance in Saturday’s clash and is aware that Japan will be eager to make history by surpassing the All the black peoplebut he said his team is in the right frame of mind to prevent that from happening.

Be wary of the threat of Brave Blossoms

“That often goes through your head, but as we say in the camp, you are always preparing for the next Test match,” he told reporters. “Whether you won, lost or drew in the previous Test match, preparation should never change.

“Team Japan has never won against an All Blacks team and we certainly don’t want to be the first team to let them have that scalp.”

Although All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has rested most of his starting players for this match, there is a good mix of youth and experience in his ranks.

Tuipulotu revealed that the three-time world champions have not deviated from their usual preparations and are ready to face the Brave Blossoms challenge head-on.

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“I haven’t had to change much other than leading a little more in group meetings and team things,” he said. “I assume most of the work will be done in the game.

“That being said, this group has practically been a dream.

“I haven’t had too many contributions”

“Everyone has played their part and I haven’t had much input in terms of skipping this week.”

The Blues stalwart made his debut for the All Blacks 10 years ago and is hoping to lead the team for the first time.

“To be considered to have the guts to do it, I’m very proud of the work I’ve done up to this point,” he said.

“But it’s like any other game, I have to play well to lead well, that’s my philosophy in terms of how I can serve others on this team.

“Leadership is nothing new to me.”

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