New All Blacks captain Tuipulotu focused on avoiding Japan upset

Patrick Tuipulotu, the newly appointed captain of the All Blacks, is determined to prevent a historic upset when New Zealand faces Japan in Yokohama on Saturday.

As he prepares to lead the team for the first time at the Test level, Tuipulotu admitted that the possibility of becoming the first New Zealand skipper to lose to Japan "plays in the back of your head."

With Scott Barrett not included in the matchday squad, Tuipulotu has been handed the captain's armband.

The Blues lock will lead a New Zealand side that blends youth with experience, featuring veterans like Sam Cane, who will earn his 101st cap, and Anton Lienert-Brown, who will make his 80th appearance.

Though the All Blacks are strong favorites to win, Tuipulotu is mindful of the threat Japan poses. Japan has the chance to claim a historic victory, and Tuipulotu is focused on ensuring that the team maintains the right mindset to prevent any surprises on the field.

“That often plays in the back of your head but as we say in camp, you’re always preparing for the next Test match,” said the 31-year-old.

“Whether you’ve won or lost or drawn the previous Test match, preparation should never change.

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

The match against Japan is the first of New Zealand’s tour, which will see the All Blacks face a series of tough Tests against England, Ireland, France, and Italy in the coming weeks.