Missing some of their key players, the All Blacks may have to look from within for inspiration tonight against the fiery Japanese. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at five players who have to perform against the Cherry Blossoms.
Isaia Toeava
The project has always had the talent. He can fend, pass and tackle with the best of them. Also possesses a decent set of wheels. But there is always that nagging doubt about him. Has that ability to drop the ball at the most crucial of stages and go close but just come up short in a try. One hopes he can get rid of that annoying habit tonight.
Colin Slade
Here is the chance to convince all the doubters. Slade won the back-up position to Dan Carter more or less by default and, after a less than convincing display against South Africa a month ago, he again steps into the quarterback role. Needs to run the backline efficiently and will be helped by having experienced heads outside him.
Adam Thomson
He, too will want to forget his last performance, an average effort against Australia. Coming back from an elbow injury, Thomson has all the skills to be a quality openside flanker. Big, tall and quick, the role of the link man will be important for the side tonight and Thomson must make sure the opposition does not upset any of the home side's ball.
Sam Whitelock
With Ali Williams' stocks rising every week, Whitelock needs to bring his best game to the table. Has plenty of energy but is not quite hitting the areas he needs to at the moment. With plenty of ball-runners in the side, Whitelock has to concentrate on his core job of hitting rucks and winning his lineout ball.
Tony Woodcock
Made an encouraging start to the tournament against Tonga last week, putting in 50 good minutes. The All Black scrum went backwards as soon as he went off. But he needs to back that up with a lengthier effort tonight and get around the field.